Abstract

Lactation Period is a major source of concern in developing countries because of its positive impact on the health and nutrition of the mothers. Adequate nutrition for the mothers is therefore important for their good health. The objective of the study was to determine the dietary pattern and nutritional status of breastfeeding mothers in Idemili North L.G.A., Nigeria. This cross sectional study was conducted using 239 randomly selected women attending postnatal clinics with their infants in health facilities in Idemili North Local Government Area (L.G.A) ofAnambra State, Nigeria. A structured, validated questionnaire was used to obtain information on socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents. Dietary intake was assessed using 24hours dietary recall and food frequency questionnaires. Anthropometry measurement such as height, weight, hip and waist circumference was used to determine Body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) and was used to assess nutritional status ofthe respondents. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results shows that Most (59.8%) ofthe mothers were in the age range of 21 -30years, majority (67.4%) ofthe mothers attends tertiary institution as the highest education qualification level, while few (27.2%) had a total family income #30,000, many (55.2%) had family size of four persons. Many (50.2%) of the mothers consumed food three times in a day, while a total of (25.9% and 53.6%) of the mothers skipped breakfast and lunch due to lack of time, Legumes and cereals crops were usually consumed by (65.6% and 70.2%) of the mothers respectively .. while many (34.5%) of the respondents rarely consumed food from the legume and cereals group, leafy and non -leafy vegetables were taken regularly by (70.5%) ofthe respondents. Majority (72%) of the respondents were extremely obese as a result of postpartum weight gain, excessive consumption ofstarchy foods, later dinner and skipping ofmeals, while (69.0) were at high risk of cardiovascular diseases revealed by their (WHR). There exist a positive and weak relationship between the snacks usually consumed by the respondents and the daily consumption of vegetables, but this relationship wasn't significant. There is increase in education and income level ofthe mothers but this didn't reflects in their dietary pattern and nutrition status as they don't diversified their food consumption. Therefore, there is urgent need for nutrition intervention such as nutrition education, food diversity and increase in physical excises should emphasized during antenatal and post —natal clinic visit.