Interactive Theory of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is considered the most suitable feeding method for the first years of life. Breastfeeding rates are still not at the desired level all over the world. There are studies in the scientific literature about experiences and conditions that affect women’s breastfeeding preference. But breastfeeding is more complex than describing the experiences and circumstances of women who may or may not breastfeed. Therefore, breastfeeding is more than just feeding a child with breast milk. Breastfeeding is a complex phenomenon that may be subject to biological, psychological, cultural, social, economic, and political influences. Interactive breastfeeding theory is a representation of an open, interrelated, and iterative system of 11 concepts representing the breastfeeding process. The aim of this review is to describe and explain the breastfeeding process interactively and systemically, in the light of interactive breastfeeding theory. In professional disciplines such as midwifery and nursing, the scientific knowledge load leading to professional practice is usually explained with concepts and theories. Theories develop as a result of synthesizing scientific data based on a theory with existing knowledge. Theories are created in order to explain the relationships between phenomena. In midwifery–nursing care, theories serve this care in a systematic way, with symbolic representations of realities. Interactive breastfeeding theory can be a useful tool that midwives and nurses can use in the prenatal, natal, and postnatal periods to help them gain knowledge, practice, and critical thinking skills in the safe, effective protection, development, and support of breastfeeding.

Cite this article as: Akpınar, F., Öztürk Can, H., Oran, N. (2022). Etkileşimli emzirme teorisi. Journal of Midwifery and Health Sciences, 5(2), 85-92.