Ankara Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Mecmuası

Öz

Objectives: In this study, it was aimed to determine the emotions and thoughts of mothers during the weaning process of their babies.

Materials and Methods: In this study, descriptive phenomenological approach, one of the qualitative research methods, was used. Participants
were determined by the snowball sampling method, one of the purposeful sampling methods. Data were collected using a socio-demographic data
form and a semi-structured data form consisting of three questions. The study was completed with 15 participants. The obtained data were analyzed
through thematic coding.

Results: Three themes were identified: thoughts on breastfeeding, practices during the weaning process, and feelings during weaning. Mothers
have positive thoughts that breastfeeding is healthy and easy, increases the bond between mother and baby, relaxes the mother, and improves the
feeling of trust in the baby. During the weaning process, it was determined that the mothers did research on the subject and kept the baby away
from the milk by rubbing something on the nipple or distracting the baby’s attention. During the weaning process, mothers experienced emotions
and thoughts such as crying, sadness, guilt, taking away the right of the baby, breaking the bond between them and their baby, and anger.

Conclusion: Weaning is a period in which mothers experience emotional changes. During this period, mothers experience emotions and thoughts
such as crying, sadness, guilt, taking away the baby’s rights, breaking the bond between them and their baby, and anger. In this period, the support
that mothers will receive from both their social environment and health professionals is important. It is recommended that more studies be
conducted on the emotional states of mothers in this process, and that in-service training and counseling services should be made comprehensive
in this direction.