Complementary and alternative methods of increasing breast milk of mothers of children aged 0-24 months

Abstract

Introduction and aim. Some applications are made to increase the breast milk. This study has been conducted to determine the complementary and alternative methods to increase the breast milk of mothers with a child in the age of 0 to 24 months. Material and methods. This study was conducted using the cross-sectional study design. The questionnaire included mothers’ socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric histories, breastfeeding, and practices to increase breast milk. Results. The mean age of the mothers was 29.75±}5.97 years. 23.4% of the mothers stated that they did not continue breastfeeding; the mean duration of breastfeeding was 9.24±}4.88 months. Mothers expressed to increase milk intake water/liquid food to increase (84.2%), frequently breastfed babies (43.3%), boiling greens to drink (34.6%), spiritual practices (12.8%). Mothers stated that the special drinks used to increase their milk were fennel (56.2%), instant milk enhancer (22.9%), and sage (8.9%). Mothers emphasized that the amount of water (85.1%) and sugar levels (50.0%) they consumed the most increased breast milk. Conclusion. It was determined that children could not have enough breast milk until the age of two; the mean duration of breastfeeding was low. Mothers believe that their breast milk is not enough for their children, so they apply milk-increasing practices.