Background: A qualitative investigation and a population survey were conducted to explore the breastfeeding beliefs and practices of mothers who were forced to migrate from their original villages and were currently living in the slums of Diyarbakir in Turkey. Methods: Qualitative data collection on breastfeeding 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 culture sensitive ways. © The Author 2006. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Public Health Association. All rights reserved.

Beliefs and attitudes Qualitative data breastfeeding

education cultural anthropology immigrant human Health Behavior colostrum Turkey (republic) priority journal feeding behavior breast milk attitude to breast feeding Breast Feeding interview Humans male female newborn qualitative analysis questionnaire Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Article Questionnaires mother adult major clinical study breast feeding education Turkey Interviews childbirth Transients and Migrants food intake health survey