Maternal and Child Health

Background: A qualitative investigation and a population survey were conducted to explore the breast-feeding beliefs and practices ofmothers whowere forced tomigrate from their original villages andwere currently living in the slums of Diyarbakir in Turkey. Methods: Qualitative data collection on breast-feeding beliefs was conducted using in-depth interviews. In-depth interviews were tape-recorded. Quantitative data on breastfeeding practices were collected using a structured questionnaire. Results: Mothers generally have a positive attitude towards breastfeeding, but colostrum is usually perceived negatively. No woman was found to feed her infant exclusively by breastfeeding. Only 9.9 % of mothers initiated breastfeeding within the first hour of birth. Forty per cent of mothers started solid foods before 4 months. Mother’s education appeared as a significant factor influencing the introduction of colostrum to the newborn. Mothers with lower education generally believed that the colostrum should not be fed to the infant and that a pregnant woman’s milk is unhealthy for the baby. There was also a belief that ‘working under the sun ’ decreased the quality of milk of a mother. Conclusion: Cultural beliefs have a significant influence on breastfeeding practices. Some of these practices are potentially harmful to newborns. Health education programmes should address these beliefs and practices in cultur