Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices, Knowledge, Attitudes Among Breastfeeding Mothers In Yenagoa LGA Of Bayelsa State

Abstract

The traditional feeding practice of African mothers is exclusive breastfeeding and has been so over the past generations, as they were not separated from their babies, but rather stayed at home to take care of them. Exclusive Breast feeding is the feeding of an infant with breast milk alone without giving any other food or drink from birth to 6 months. The study evaluated the level of knowledge and attitude of breastfeeding mothers towards exclusive breastfeeding and the factors influencing mothers to breastfeed their babies exclusively. A descriptive survey design was used, and a convenience sampling technique was used to select the sample frame of 150 respondents. Data were collected using a questionnaire and an interview for the non-educated respondents. The results showed that (24%) are aged between 31-35years, (27.3%) had post-secondary education, (12%) had University education, (46.6%) obtained their information from the health centre, while (5.3%) heard from other sources such as churches, campaigns, and mosques. About (47.3%) breastfed their babies exclusively for 1-2 months, (23.3%) for 3-5 months, (22.6%) for 5 - 6 months, while (6.6%) did not introduce other feeds to their babies at all for over 6 months. The findings therefore showed that mothers’ educational level does not bring about a positive attitude and compliance with exclusive breastfeeding, but much is dependent on the ability of the health team to pass down the message to them. The results showed that most mothers have the knowledge of the benefits and are willing to breastfeed their babies exclusively if they are encouraged, and if the health care centers are well educated on exclusive breastfeeding, there would still be high levels of positive response. This will give child survival a chance to succeed; this is the aim of the World Health Organization / UNICEF. It is therefore recommended that health care providers should organize public health education on exclusive breastfeeding so that people can be aware of it.