Mothers’ Perceptions of Climate Change and Its Effects on Breastfeeding in Türkiye: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background:

Climate change is a global issue that poses potential risks to breastfeeding practices and outcomes. Therefore, it is important for breastfeeding mothers to understand the changes caused by climate change and what they mean.

Research aim:

This study aimed to examine in depth the effects of climate change on breastfeeding mothers’ experiences and to explore their perspectives on how environmental changes are reflected in their breastfeeding processes.

Methods:

This study used a qualitative descriptive design and an inductive approach. The interviews continued until data saturation was reached, and 19 breastfeeding mothers living in Türkiye completed the study. The interviews were conducted via telephone. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.

Results:

Through the thematic analysis of the interviews, four main themes and 14 subthemes were identified. The themes were: 1) impacts of climate crisis, 2) breastfeeding negatively affected by climate crisis, 3) increasing breastfeeding to mitigate the effects of climate crisis, and 4) coping with climate crisis.

Conclusion:

Our study found that climate change and related events affect mothers’ breastfeeding experiences and cause them to worry about long-term negative health outcomes such as food insecurity and economic and psychological problems. In line with the goals of combating climate change and reducing resource consumption, breastfeeding promotion should be strengthened through policy development and awareness-raising strategies.