KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING AMONG LACTATING MOTHERS AT ODU-OFOMU OF DEKINA LOCAL GOVERNMENT

ABSTRACT This study aimed to the "Knowledge Attitude and Practice of exclusive Breast Feeding among Lactating Mothers at Odu-Ofomu, Dekina Local Government". A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 lactating mothers using a pre-tested questionnaire. Data was collected on the mothers' knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding, their attitudes towards breastfeeding, and their actual practice of exclusive breastfeeding. The result shows that 65% has heard about exclusive breastfeeding but has poor knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding. The result also shows that 20 (58.3%) of the despondence disagree that exclusive breastfeeding was an alternative for child spacing. Thus it is different from the findings of (NBC. 2009) that 37 (23.6%) of the respondents were unsatisfied that exclusive breastfeeding is an alternative to child spacing been documented that a part of exclusive breastfeeding should be given breast milk within 30 minutes of birth for the healthy growth of the children (WHO)and UNICEF, 2000. The main reason for not practicing exclusive breastfeeding is the belief that it was not necessary after six months, lack of support from family members, and difficulty in expressing breast milk. The study highlights the need for increase education and support for lactating mothers to promote exclusive breastfeeding. It also suggests the need for interventions to address the cultural beliefs and practices that hinder exclusive breastfeeding. The findings of this study have implications for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community leaders in promoting exclusive breastfeeding and improving maternal and children health.