ABSTRACT

The decision to breastfeed is largely dependent on mothers’ breastfeeding knowledge and attitude. The rate of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is still low among nursing mothers in developing countries. This descriptive cross sectional study was designed to assess the breastfeeding knowledge, attitude and practices of 243 lactating mothers in Ufuma, Orumba North LGA of Anambra, Nigeria. A well-structured and validated breastfeeding knowledge, attitude and practice questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation was used to determine the relationship between knowledge, attitude and practice ofEBF among lactating mothers in Ufuma community. Most ofthe community mothers (66.5%) were about 18-35 years, of which only about 42.5% attend hospital/health centers as it was their source of exclusive breastfeeding awareness while 31.6% and 14.0% heard about exclusive breastfeeding from friends/relatives and mothers respectively. Majority (93.8%) of the respondents were aware of exclusive breastfeeding, however only (61.7%) knew the correct definition of exclusive breastfeeding. A little above half (56.4%) knew that colostrum should be given to a baby. Most (69.5%) of the lactating women think that EBF will make their breast fall, while 71.4% think that women with small breast cannot produce sufficient breast milk. Few (21.4%) did not give other fluids during the first six months, a little below half (45.7%) started breastfeeding within the first hour of the baby’s life. Generally, only (41.2%) had a fair knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding, 87.2% of the respondents were undecided on their attitude towards exclusive breastfeeding while 63.4% have a good practice of exclusive breastfeeding. There was a weak (0.314) relationship between the attitude of mothers towards exclusive breastfeeding and knowledge of the mothers on exclusive breastfeeding. There is need for intervention programs which support and promote optimal breastfeeding knowledge and practice.