The Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Of Exclusive Breast Feeding Among Mothers Accessing Care in Federal Teaching Hospital Ido- Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
A cross-sectional study of 266 mothers at Federal Teaching Hospital Ido-Ekiti reveals that while awareness of exclusive breastfeeding is high (91%) and attitudes are generally positive (65.4%), actual practice stands at 63.9% and is significantly influenced by age and employment status, highlighting the need for targeted support to overcome existing challenges and improve rates.
Original paper licensed under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). This is an AI-generated explanation of the paper below. It is not written or endorsed by the authors. For technical accuracy, refer to the original paper. Read full disclaimer
Breast milk is nature's first and most complete food for a newborn. It provides exactly what a baby needs to grow, along with special ingredients that help fight off sickness. Health experts agree that for the first six months of life, a baby should receive nothing but this milk, with no water, juice, or other foods added. This approach, known as exclusive breastfeeding, is a powerful tool for keeping children healthy and helping mothers recover after birth. Despite its clear benefits, many families struggle to maintain this practice, often due to a mix of cultural habits, lack of support, or the demands of daily life. Understanding why some mothers succeed while others stop early is crucial for improving child health outcomes.
In a recent study at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Ido-Ekiti, Nigeria, a team of researchers set out to understand the real-world situation for mothers trying to follow these guidelines. They wanted to know three things: what mothers knew about exclusive breastfeeding, how they felt about it, and whether they were actually doing it. The team interviewed 266 mothers who were visiting the hospital for care, ranging from those with newborns to those with children up to two years old. They asked detailed questions to see if the women understood the rules, if they believed in them, and if their daily lives allowed them to follow through.
The results painted a picture of a population that is largely informed but faces real hurdles. A vast majority, 91 percent of the mothers, knew what exclusive breastfeeding meant. Most understood that it should last for six months and that it offers better protection against illness than formula milk. The hospital itself was the primary source of this knowledge, with nearly 86 percent of the women saying they learned about it from healthcare workers. This suggests that medical advice is reaching the community effectively. Furthermore, the mothers held a positive view of the practice; about two-thirds expressed a strong attitude in favor of breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months, and many said they would encourage other mothers to do the same.
However, knowing the right thing and doing it are not always the same. While 64 percent of the mothers reported that they were currently practicing exclusive breastfeeding, the study revealed that the path is not smooth for everyone. The researchers found that a mother's ability to stick to the plan was closely tied to her age, her education level, and her job. Older mothers, those with higher education, and those who were not currently employed were more likely to be practicing exclusive breastfeeding. Conversely, working mothers faced significant challenges. Many reported that balancing their job duties with the need to breastfeed was difficult, and some felt that their work environment did not support them. About one-third of the women said they faced challenges that made them consider stopping, and a notable number felt that breastfeeding made them feel out of shape or unable to manage their work schedule.
The study also highlighted a gap in the support system. While most mothers received advice from doctors and nurses, very few had access to support groups or resources specifically designed to help them continue breastfeeding after returning to work. Many mothers felt they lacked the necessary tools to pump or store milk, or to find a safe place to breastfeed during the day. The researchers noted that while the mothers had the knowledge and the desire, the environment often worked against them. The findings suggest that to improve the rates of exclusive breastfeeding, the focus must shift from simply teaching mothers what to do, to building a system that makes it possible for them to keep doing it. By addressing workplace barriers and providing better community support, the potential for healthier babies and stronger families could be fully realized.
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