Knowledge and Attitudes towards Exclusive Breastfeeding among Nursing Mothers Attending Postnatal clinic within Gusau metropolis, Zamfara State, Nigeria

Abstract

This research examined the attitudes and beliefs of mothers who were breastfed during postpartum care. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used in the study, which involved interviewing 461 nursing mothers who attended postnatal clinics in medical facilities, using standardized questionnaires administered by trained research assistants. Of the 461 nursing mothers surveyed, 96% had negative views of exclusive breastfeeding, while 78% were aware of it. The study shows there is a big difference between what nursing mothers know about exclusive breastfeeding and how they feel about doing it, based on their visits to randomly selected postnatal clinics in the Gusau metropolis. Even though 78% of the nursing mothers knew the basic meaning of exclusive breastfeeding and everyone agreed it is good for the economy, there were still many wrong ideas about giving babies water or other drinks before they aresixmonthsold.Manymothers felt that breastfeeding exclusively was hard or not possible, and they said they would give their baby food or water if the baby kept crying a lot. These results show that just having more awareness might not be enough to help mothers practice exclusive breastfeeding better. Breastfeeding programs in Zamfara State should include correct health information along with handson advice for breastfeeding, involve families and the community, and tackle common beliefs that are rooted in culture. Special care should be taken to talk with mothers before and after childbirth, about baby crying, how they might feel thirsty, whether their breast milk is enough, and the dangers of giving water or other foods to the baby before six months.