The practice of exclusive breastfeeding by lactating women in Owerri metropolis, Imo State, Nigeria

Maduforo, Aloysius N¹*, Ubah Nnaemeka C¹ and Obiakor– Okeke P.N²

¹Department of nutrition and dietetics, university teaching hospital Ituku/Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria.

²Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Imo State University Owerri, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author E-mail: preciousman179@yahoo.com; Mobile Phone: +234-8033745621

Accepted 21 January, 2013

Abstract

The practice of exclusive breastfeeding by lactating women in Owerri metropolis Imo State Nigeria was studied. Structured and validated questionnaires were used to obtain information on the socio-economic characteristics, correct knowledge and practice of exclusive breastfeeding as well as the constraints to the practice.  The results of the survey show that about 91% of the lactating women have correct knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding. Also, the survey revealed that not all that have the knowledge are practicing it (66.41%) in the area. However some constraints were identified to be responsible which include, lack of time, lack of knowledge, lack of support from the husband and family members  and some do not believe that only breastmilk is enough to sustain their baby of less than 6months as well as many other excuses. Most importantly, there are some of them about 18%  that are not ready to practice it on their subsequent child birth due to their believe. This therefore necessitates a more intensified effort in the teaching and implementation of Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) guidelines for successful breastfeeding in all health institutions and clinics.   

Keywords: Exclusive breastfeeding, practice, lactating women, Owerri metropolis.