Maternal readiness for weaning: Influencing factors and determinants

To assess maternal readiness for weaning and examine the socio-demographic and behavioral factors influencing weaning decisions.

A cross-sectional study was conducted at three Family Health Centers located in a provincial center between October 2024 and January 2025. The study included 202 breastfeeding mothers. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a sociodemographic questionnaire and the validated Readiness for Weaning Scale. Statistical analyses included t-tests, ANOVA, chi-square tests, and logistic regression.

Mothers with higher education had significantly higher scale scores than those with lower education. Breastfeeding education was associated with increased weaning readiness. Planned pregnancy and maternal perception of milk sufficiency were positively correlated with higher scale scores. Smoking was associated with lower readiness. Logistic regression indicated that maternal perception of milk sufficiency significantly predicted weaning consideration, while lower education levels were associated with reliance on traditional weaning methods. Traditional weaning methods referenced in this study include culturally ingrained practices such as abrupt cessation, use of herbal substances, or application of unpleasant tastes to the breast.

Maternal education, psychological preparedness, and professional support play key roles in structured weaning. Targeted interventions are needed to enhance maternal confidence and informed decision-making in infant feeding transitions. Limitations of the study include its cross-sectional design, which prevents causal inference, and the reliance on self-reported data, which may be subject to recall or social desirability bias.