Abstract:

Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate women’s colostrum knowledge. Method: As a qualitative case study, it was conducted between 15 November 2021 and 30 December 2021. Women who applied to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic of a Training and Research Hospital and were breastfeeding participated in the study (N=27). In the collection of data Introductory Information and Semi-Structured Interview Forms were used, and the interviews were recorded on a voice recorder. Content analysis method was used in the evaluation of the data. The transcribed data were first coded in a similar way and themes and sub-themes were revealed after a code list was created. Results: Research data Breastfeeding information, Importance of Breastfeeding, Information about colostrum, Breastfeeding and colostrum requirements are gathered under four main themes. The women did not receive breastfeeding education, the main source of breastfeeding information was health professionals, they expressed the most important effects of breastfeeding as strengthening the mother-infant bond and immunity, they often defined colostrum as the first milk after birth, they saw the most important benefit of colostrum for the baby as strengthening immunity, it was determined that they described the consistency as yellow and dense, and demanded information and consultancy services by health professionals with applied training in pregnancy. Conclusion: It has been concluded that women are aware of the importance of breastfeeding, they have general knowledge about colostrum and breastfeeding, but there is a need for practical training on breastfeeding, especially starting from the pregnancy period, and health professionals should give more importance to information and counseling and contact women more.

Keywords: