Ümit Ayşe Tandırcıoğlu, Çiğdem Aşçı, Serdar Alan, Hacer Fulya Gülerman
The Journal of Pediatric Research - 2025;12(3):128-133
Aim: The identification of breastfeeding problems in the postpartum period and the effect of interventions on these problems. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective and cross-sectional study. This study included mothers who had an infant and were admitted to the breastfeeding and lactation unit (BLU) during the study period. Individualized educational breastfeeding support (EBS) was provided to the study mothers at the BLU. The demographic data and breastfeeding problems of the included infants and their mothers were obtained from files of the BLU and they were retrospectively analyzed. Breastfeeding duration was evaluated after the infants in this study group reached 6 months of age. Results: During the study period, 163 infants of 158 mothers were enrolled. The most common complaint on admission to the BLU was breast and nipple problems (60.1%). Sub-complaints included poor grasping of the nipple (30.1%), breast engorgement (12.3%), breast refusal (8.1%), the use of nipple shields (6.1%), and cracked nipples (2.5%). With the exception of cases involving breast and nipple problems, the most prevalent reason for presentation to the BLU was the early initiation of formula feeding (13.5%). Among the 114 infants whose mothers received EBS and who were older than 6 months at the time of 6 months, 75% were exclusively breastfed, and the median breastfeeding duration was 10 months (range: 6-20). Conclusion: Breast and nipple problems, which constitute the majority of the reasons for admission to the BLU, can be resolved with EBS. Consequently, EBS has the potential to enhance the rate of exclusive breastfeeding for a period of at least six months, thereby surpassing the national average for breastfeeding. Keywords: BREASTFEEDING, EDUCATIONAL BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT, BREAST PROBLEMS, CRACKED NIPPLE, FORMULA FEEDING, LACTATION TRAINING
