Infant And Toddler Feeding Practices In The Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) Era In Ilesa, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Most previous studies focused on feeding practices within the first six months of life with respect to the Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI). Objective: To describe the pattern of infant and toddler feeding practices in the BFI era in Ilesa, Nigeria. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study. Consecutive mothers of children aged 0 to 24 months were studied for their personal data, places of delivery and their infant and toddler feeding practices. Results: A total of 262 mothers were studied; 200 (76.3%) of these had received counselling on breastfeeding according to the BFI. Of these, 158 (60.3%) infants were delivered in health facilities and 184 (70.2%) were still on breast milk. Breastfeeding was commenced within the first hour life among 98 (37.4%) infants, glucose drink was offered to 87 (33.2%) infants at birth while 96 (36.6%) had pre-lacteal feeds. Only 56 (21.4%) infants were exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months. Supplementary feeding was commenced between 2 and 6 months among 96 (36.6%) children. Bottle feeding was practiced by 79 (30.2%). The use of cow's milk was associated with the use of feeding bottle (p = 0.000000), commencement of weaning before 6 months (p = 0.00012) and professional mothers (p = 0.000000). Conclusion: The quality of breast feeding practices was poor and the duration was mostly short. The use of cow's milk and the tendency to commence supplementary feeding before six months were also prominent. Improved health information and education drives are needed.