Determining Breastfeeding Behaviors During Pregnancy and Opinions on Tandem Breastfeeding among Postpartum Women in a High Fertility Region of Turkey

Abstract

Background: Particularly, in regions with high fertility rates, promoting breastfeeding during pregnancy and tandem breastfeeding can be important in increasing breastfeeding rates. Objectives: This study aimed to understand how postpartum women in a high-fertility region in Turkey approach breastfeeding behaviors during pregnancy and opinions on tandem breastfeeding. Materials and Methods: We conducted a descriptive study involving 267 postpartum women hospitalized in a public hospital’s postpartum clinic in Sanliurfa, Turkey. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a Data Collection Form. Results: 15.7% of the women had prior experience with breastfeeding during pregnancy. 58.8% of women became pregnant again while breastfeeding their older baby, and 84.7% of these women continued breastfeeding for 1 to 20 weeks after learning that they were pregnant. The study revealed that women with highly educated partners and those who learned about their pregnancy early tended to breastfeed for a longer duration during pregnancy (P < 0.05). Overall, 9% of women were aware of tandem breastfeeding, but 84.3% of them held negative opinions about it, with the most common concern being a potential lack of breast milk (31.1%). 4.9% of women expressed their intention to engage in tandem breastfeeding if their older child wanted to suck again. This intention was more common among those who most commonly spoke Turkish at home (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The study’s findings emphasize the importance of providing informed support and education to women who choose to breastfeed during pregnancy, addressing common misconceptions about tandem breastfeeding, and recognizing the impact of cultural and educational factors on breastfeeding practices.