Baby-Friendly Hospital
Within the scope of the studies conducted by the Ministry of Health and UNICEF to promote breastfeeding and provide mothers with accurate knowledge and correct habits regarding breastfeeding, the “Promotion of Breastfeeding and Baby-Friendly Hospitals” program was initiated in 1991 to ensure that breastfeeding becomes a successful and established practice in hospitals providing delivery services.
Our hospital is a Baby-Friendly Hospital.
Successful Breastfeeding Practices
Regular training on "Breast Milk and Breastfeeding" is provided to pediatrics, obstetrics, and delivery unit personnel in line with the policy.
Pregnant women applying to our hospital receive "Breast Milk and Breastfeeding" education from the 32nd week of gestation.
Unless medically necessary, mothers and babies stay together (rooming-in).
The baby is breastfed within half an hour to one hour after birth (unless medically required otherwise).
The baby should be breastfed whenever desired.
Bottles and pacifiers are not used; when necessary, the baby is fed with a feeding cup or spoon.
Breastfeeding rooms are available in our center.
Use of posters, banners, or samples related to formula milk advertising is not allowed.
In pediatrics, obstetrics, and selected clinical areas of our hospital, breastfeeding policies, posters, and banners promoting breast milk and breastfeeding are displayed.
Visual brochures on breast milk and breastfeeding are provided to mothers during education.
Education is given both in group and individual settings in the training room and patient rooms.
For babies in the neonatal intensive care unit, breast pumps are used to express milk, and mothers are informed about milk expression, storage, and transfer.
After discharge, support continues by sharing contact information to ensure the continuity of breastfeeding.
“Breastfeeding Is the Most Perfect Way to Transfer Love.”
Breast Milk
Breast milk is the most natural nutrition for the baby.
Always ready, clean, and at an appropriate temperature.
More nutritious than formula or cow’s milk.
Easily digestible.
Does not cause constipation.
Economical.
Every mother’s milk is uniquely suited for her own baby.
Accelerates the baby’s growth and development.
Reduces the risk of excessive weight gain.
Colostrum (yellow milk) produced in the first five days protects the baby against diseases with its antibodies and composition.
Protects the baby against infections.
Sufficient to meet the nutritional needs of the baby during the first six months.
Creates a special bond between mother and baby; breastfed babies are calm.
Protects against allergic diseases.
Breastfed babies have lower risk of anemia.
Prevents the growth of diarrhea-causing microorganisms.
Reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
Supports better cognitive development.
Breastfed babies cry less and sleep better.
Breastfeeding mothers have a lower risk of breast, ovarian, and uterine cancer.
Helps the uterus recover faster.
Early breastfeeding helps stop postpartum bleeding quickly.
Reduces hip fracture risk after menopause.
Prevents breast swelling and inflammation; helps the mother have a comfortable postpartum period.
Give Only Breast Milk for the First 6 Months.
Introduce Complementary Foods After the 6th Month.
Continue Breastfeeding for at Least Two Years and Beyond.
Breast Milk and Breastfeeding Counseling
Although the value of breast milk, the most precious nutrition in the world, is known, many babies are deprived of this miracle due to mothers’ misinformation. Lack of knowledge and anxiety about breastfeeding, increased participation of women in the workforce, urbanization, disappearance of traditions, aesthetic concerns, and the use of formula milk have contributed to decreased breastfeeding rates.
With socio-cultural changes over the last century, mothers have become aware that breastfeeding protects both themselves and their babies, and have begun considering breastfeeding from pregnancy.
Every mother can produce enough milk to exclusively breastfeed her baby for the first six months. However, only a small number of mothers are able to do so.
Breastfeeding Counseling
This unit was established to help mothers overcome difficulties before and during breastfeeding and to provide support.
The main objectives are to promote and support breastfeeding, increase the use of breast milk, and correct misconceptions.
Every mother delivering at our center begins breastfeeding within the first half hour after birth, receiving guidance from our breastfeeding counselor or a healthcare professional.
Breastfeeding education begins from the 32nd week of gestation. Mothers are taught breastfeeding techniques, assisted with breast massage and devices if nipple problems arise, and instructed on how to breastfeed.
Counseling Services
Provided to mothers for:
Cracked or tense nipples
Engorgement
Infections
Nipple size issues (too large or small)
Baby not gaining weight despite breastfeeding
Mothers who stopped breastfeeding and want to restart
Mothers of premature babies
Mothers returning to work
Milk expression, storage, and transport
Other breastfeeding-related problems
Situations Requiring Physician Referral
Redness, swelling, hardness, or pain in the breast
Fever up to 38°C
Nipple discharge or abscess
Baby not urinating or defecating despite breastfeeding
Redness or itching of the nipple
White coating in the baby’s mouth, tongue, or palate
Baby sleeping excessively
Baby pale or jaundiced
Breast Milk and Breastfeeding Counseling
Contact: 0416 2161015 (Ext: 3198)
Location: Ground Floor, Children’s Outpatient Clinic, Obstetrics and Children’s Additional Services Building, Our Hospital
