Milk Compositions of Mothers Who Breastfeed as Tandem

Background: Considering the health benefits both for the infant and the mother, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and World Health Organization (WHO) recommend only mother's milk in the first six months of life and then continuing breastfeeding for at least two years with complementary feeding (Eidelman, 2012; Topal et al., 2011). A review of the breastfeeding status of babies in Turkey reveals that breastfeeding is common, but it is not at a satisfactory level in terms of the length of time babies are given mother's milk only or in the total length of breastfeeding. One of the most important reasons is early start of complementary food or early weaning (TNSA2018). In 5.7 to 29.2% of the cases where breastfeeding was terminated early, the mother became pregnant again during the lactation period. Both mothers and healthcare professionals are confused as to whether breastfeeding should continue in pregnancy. Moreover, the field literature does not offer any information about any changes in the milk composition of a mother breastfeeding two babies of different ages at the same time (tandem breastfeeding). It is also known that some mothers who get pregnant during lactation period or with an interval of less than two years do not wean the first-born and continue breastfeeding both babies at the same time (Bøhler \& Ingstad, 1996; Moscone \& Moore, 1993; O'Rourke \& Spatz, 2019). In light of this information, this study project is aimed to explore any differences in the composition (fat, protein, lactose, water, and casein) and density of milk during pregnancy or tandem breastfeeding.

Method: The universe of the study is planned to consist of all multigravid women admitted to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic of the Sakarya University Education and Research Hospital, Turkey, breastfeeding postpartum in tandem and not breastfeeding during pregnancy. The sample of the study, including 15 control and 15 experimental groups, 30 mothers to be selected according to the inclusion criteria. groups will be determined by simple random sampling method. In order to assign the mothers who meet the selection criteria into the experimental group or the control group, the randomization method with a computer program (http://www1.assumption.edu/users/ avadum/applets/RandAssin/Groupgen.html) was used. Data collection is planned to take place in two stages for control and experimental groups. The first stages correspond to 24 to 72 hours postpartum. This is to be accomplished through house calls upon appointment with the mothers. During the house call, 15 ml milk is obtained from the mother with suitable methods (Appendix…) and preserved in a sterilized milk collection container. At the end of birth, 15 ml colostrum will be taken from the mother, instead of 30 ml, so that the babies in both groups benefit more from colostrum. Then, it is analyzed within the next 3 hours in terms of its composition (moisture, protein, oil, lactose) and to the Tubitak Mam Research Center to the Nutrition Lab for analysis.Results are recorded in the "Breastfeeding Follow-up Form." The final stages (after the 1st month postpartum), during the house call, 30 ml milk is obtained from the mother with suitable methods (Appendix…) and preserved in a sterilized milk collection container, other steps will be repeated in the same order. The results of the analysis will be compared with the breast milk compositions in the control group. The results of this study are expected to clarify the attitudes of healthcare professionals about tandem breastfeeding and to draw attention to this issue, thereby providing guidance and encouragement for further studies on the subject..