Drug use Knowledge and Practices of Mothers during Lactation Period

Aim: The purpose of this study is to investigate the knowledge and practice of the mothers about drug use while breastfeeding. Methods: The descriptive study sample consisted of women who had breastfeeding for a period of the first twelve months, applied to pediatric outpatient clinic at a state hospital and agreed to participate (n=171). The data were collected through a Questionnaire that was prepared by the researchers themselves. The data collected were analyzed in the computer environment by calculating percentages and averages. Results: The %37.7 of the participating mothers were in the 20-24 age group, and the average lactation period became 6.74±3.80 (n=171). 63.5% of the participants were nuclear family, 61.5% of middle-income level, 52.9% of primary/secondary school graduates, 86.2% of housewives, and 53.3% of had their first experience of breastfeeding. 67.1% of participants stated that they do not have information about the drugs that definitely should not be used in their breast feeding period. %90.6 (n=154) of mothers who were asked "What do you do first if you have any health problems at the time you breastfeed your baby?" stated that they take the proper drugs with a doctor's advice. 33.3% of respondents (n=56) stated that they do not use any drug, despite a doctor's advice to take drug, due to the fear of harm to the baby, while 74.9% (n=125) think that, if possible, a mother in her breastfeeding period should not use any drugs. Conclusion: Informing mothers about the use of medication during lactation period will reduce concerns about the subject and will prevent improper applications.