Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Of Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Nursing Mothers In Federal Medical Centre Umuahia And Michael Okpara University Clinic, Umudike Both In Umuahia Abia State.

ABSTRACT

The research was carried out among 150 nursing mothers and data collected using a structured questionnaire. Most of the 133 (93.0%) respondent encouraged the practice of exclusive breastfeeding, while just few (6.6%) discouraged it and 9(6.6%) said is time consuming. Some 100 (7 1.41%) acknowledge that during exclusive breastfeeding no other fluid should be introduced during 0-6 months while 40 (28.6%) introduced other semi-solid food. Thus 55.3% (78) of the respondent initiated breastfeeding immediately after delivery while 77 (53.8%) are aware that the signs of proper positioning and attachment. 43.3% of the respondent breastfed 8-12 breastfeeds per 24 hours every 2-3 hours and only 3 (2.1%) did not stop breastfeeding when complementary foods are introduced just 11 (7.5%) stopped breastfeeding showing that they are aware of the practice of exclusive breastfeeding and it's benefits. Only 43.3% of the respondents that initiated breastfeeding immediately practice it, though 133 (93.0%) encourage its practice therefore was not practice extensively though they have the basic and general knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding and also a positive attitude.