Factors effecting exclusive breastfeeding among children brought to Akdeniz University Hospital

Breastfeeding and especially exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months is the optimum feeding method for reducing infant mortality and morbidity. It is estimated that increasing breastfeeding rates to 95% in developing countries can prevent 87% of preventable deaths in the first six months of life. According to Turkey's Demographic and Health Survey 2013, exclusive breastfeeding rate at the sixth month was below 9.5%. The aim of this study was to detect factors that effect exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life. A questionniare was applied to the mothers of 190 infants with no chronic systemic disease who were brought to the outpatient clinics of General Pediatrics, Well Child and Pediatric Surgery in Akdeniz University Hospital. Infants who were only given breastmilk, water, herbal teas and formula for the first fifteen days in the first six months were defined as the control group (n=95), infants who were given formula beyond the 16th day and those who were given complementary foods in the first six months were included in the case group (n=95). In statistical analysis; experiencing an illness during pregnancy, father's education level, breastfeeding in the first hour, mother's perception on whether her milk was sufficient and nutritious, number of breastfeeding sessions per day, the infant's weight on the 10th and 15th day, pacifier use, and experiencing emotions associated with depression were found to be significantly associated with early introduction of formula or complementary foods. In multivariate logistic regression factors that could lead to early complementary feeding were evaluated. Mothers who thought their milk was insufficient had an odds ratio of 4.39 (95% CI: 2.21-8.75; p<0.001), mothers who had experienced hopelessness, being broken down, anxiety, unhappiness had an odds ratio of 3.26 (95% CI 1.45-7.32 p=0.004). In univariate analysis infrequent breastfeeding, mothers perception of her milk being insufficient or lacking nutritional properties, recomendation of formula by someone else were found to effect exclusive breastfeeding. In conclusion mothers should be properly supported, scanned for signs of depression and her perception of insufficient milk supply shouldn't be taken lightly. With these precautions rates of exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months could be increased. Key words: exclusive breastfeeding, complementary feeding, formula milk