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.

Keywords: Breastfeeding, Weaning, Emotion, Thought, Qualitative Study