Dilek Kose

Mothers' Attitudes Toward Feeding Twin Babies in the First Six Months of Life: A Sample From Sakarya, Turkey

Background It is stated in the literature that a mother’s breast milk is sufficient for more than one baby. Objectives This descriptive study aimed to determine whether twin babies are breastfed during their first six months of life. Materials and Methods We studied the twin birth cases in a state hospital in Sakarya, Turkey between October 2011 and March 2013. The population of the study consisted of entire mothers who had delivered twins in the maternity ward of the hospital. The sample comprised 30 twins’ mothers who agreed to participate in the study via telephone for six months. During these phone calls, they were asked how they preferred to feed their babies. The data were expressed as the mean and percentage. Results The average age of the mothers participating in the study was 30.17±5.16 years (min. 19; max. 38). The number of mothers who stated that they had no previous experience of breastfeeding twin babies and had received training to breastfeed multiple babies was 17 (56.7%). Twenty-seven (90%) of the mothers had had caesarean sections, and half of the babies were preterm. Only a few of the babies were fed breast milk for five months. During the following months, the breastfeeding regimen was as follows: 5 babies were breastfed for a month, 5 babies for 2 months, 4 babies for 3 months, 4 babies for 4 months, 2 babies for 5 months, and no babies in the sixth month. Conclusions It was found that the number of twin babies who were only breastfed in the first six months of life was low. According to the literature, a mother’s breast milk is sufficient for multiple babies. Mothers expecting twin babies should be informed about the benefits of breastfeeding and be encouraged to breastfeed. They should also receive training on this subject.

1868 Problems in the Process of Weaning in Breast-Fed Babies

Background and Aim Sometimes weaning process may be problem for mothers and their babies. The study was done as descriptive in order to define the problems in the process of weaning in breastfed babies. Methods Sample of the study was consisted with 86 volunteer mothers who registered to 3 different family health center in center of Sakarya province and who have 2 years old children left the breast milk. The data were collected using a questionnaire developed by researchers. The data were analysed using a statistical packet programme. Results The mean age of the mothers was 29.52±5.49. 50.6% (n=44) of mothers were primary school graduates. 52.9% (n=46) of families have described to their economic situation as moderate. 47.1% (n=41) of the mothers 7–12 months, 27.6% of (n=24) 0–6 months, 19.7% (n=17) 13–24 months, 5.7% of (n=5) in 25 months reported weaned the baby. 73.5% (n=64) of the mothers cut the breastfeeding slowly was determined. Problems experienced by mothers at the beginning of the process of weaning were found as pain in the chest and swelling (20.7% n=18) and maternal stress, anxiety and indecision (12.6% n=11). 39% of children (n=34) crying, restlessness, irritability and a change in temperament, 12.6% (n=11) reduction in body weight gain, 8% (n=7) frequent illness, 2.3% (n=2) sleep pattern disorder were reported by their mothers. Conclusion In the study, various problems occured in children and mothers were found in the process of weaning.