Attitudes towards breastfeeding among mothers with infants aged 0-2 years and their association with the use of galactagogues

This observational study aimed to examine the relationship between the attitudes towards breastfeeding and the use of galactagogues by mothers with infants aged 0-2 years. The study included 401 mothers living in Turkey with infants aged 0-2 years between February and June 2024. "Information Form on Mother," "Information Form on Breastfeeding Period," "Information Form on Infant," and " Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS)" were used to collect the data. According to the study's findings, the participants' IIFAS limit scores ranged between 48 and 79 points, and the mean score was 64.83 ± 5.43. The level of breastfeeding decreased with increasing age and gestational age of the mothers, but the level of formula feeding increased. Breastfeeding scores of mothers who did not smoke and had chronic diseases were found to be higher. Compared to working mothers, mothers on vacation or not working breastfed their babies more. As the month of termination of breastfeeding increased, the level of breastfeeding decreased, while the level of formula feeding increased. Breastfeeding levels increased as the start of galactagogue use increased. It was found that infants fed with breast milk or breast milk+complementary food had higher breastfeeding scores than infants fed with formula or formula+ complementary food. The study concluded that the most commonly preferred natural products by mothers for the purpose of increasing milk production were fennel tea, dates and walnuts. Based on these findings, to increase breastfeeding levels, it is important to avoid smoking, manage chronic conditions, make arrangements for leave or work status, and consider the use of galactagogue when necessary. Consideration of these factors can help support healthy eating habits in infants.