Bir Çocuk Sağlığı İzlem Polikliniğinde 4. ve 6. Ay Sadece Anne Sütü ile Beslenme Oranları ve Anne Eğitim Düzeyi-Ön Çalışma Sonuçları.

Objective: We aimed to examine breastfeeding rates among 4 and 6 months-old children followed in our Well Child Clinic, to evaluate the change in exclusive breastfeeding rates over years and to investigate the relationship between maternal education level and exclusive breastfeeding. Materials and Methods: For this descriptive study, medical files of children followed in our Well Child Clinic were retrospectively analyzed. The information on breastfeeding and any additional feeding practices and maternal education levels were gathered from the files. Results: In 2013, exclusive breastfeeding rate on fourth month was 60.6%, whereas it raised to 75.5% in 2017. Similarly, exclusive breastfeeding rate on sixth month raised from 28.2% in 2013 to 46% in 2017. In 2013, ratio of infants feeding only with infant formula on fourth month and sixth month follow ups were 9.9% and 11.5% respectively. These rates decreased to 3.4% on the fourth month and 2.5% on the sixth month in 2017. As this increase in breastfeeding rates are statistically significant for both fourth month and sixth month follow ups; rates of feeding only with infant formula were decreased with statistical significance both on fourth and sixth month follow ups. Exclusive breastfeeding rates were significantly higher on both fourth and sixth months in mothers who are university graduates. Conclusion: Exclusive breastfeeding rates of infants followed in our clinic have been increasing over the years. We believe this is accomplished by regular well child visits, breastfeeding counseling in every visit and implementation of 'Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative' practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]