Mothers Beliefs and Obstacles as Limitations in Promoting Exclusive Breastfeeding among Working Class Mothers Attending Infant Welfare Clinic at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu State

Abstract

Objective: The research was designed to ascertain information on the mothers’ beliefs and obstacles as limitations in promoting exclusive breastfeeding among the working class mothers aimed to: (1) to determine the rate of promotion of the awareness on the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, (2) to determine the obstacles or barriers to the practice of exclusive breastfeeding, (3) to determine the percentage level of working class who practice exclusive breastfeeding, (4) to assess the nutritional knowledge and beliefs of working class mothers about exclusive breastfeeding and (5) to find out the level to which the practice of exclusive breast feeding influences the working class. Methodology: This survey study was carried out on 60 respondents which compromised of registered working class mothers attending the Infant Welfare Clinic at the Institute of Child Health, UNTH, Enugu. Structured and validated questionnaire were used to obtain information from the subjects on their socio-economic background, baby’s information, promotion of exclusive breastfeeding and obstacles to exclusive breastfeeding. Data obtained from the subjects were analyzed using SPSS version 16 to determine their frequency and percentages. Result: Result showed that 91.7% of the mothers had knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding which they individually came across at different times in their lives. A small number of the mothers 38.3% practiced exclusive breastfeeding which was found to be influenced by their level of education, antenatal clinic attendance and personal conviction. 35% of them initiated breastfeeding within 30 minutes of delivery. It was observed that majority of the mothers, 80% of them do not express their breast milk. Apparently 85% of the mothers are agreed to the numerous benefits of exclusive breastfeeding. 81.7% of the mothers are of the opinion that the presence and availability of hygienic creche in their offices will reduce the obstacles to exclusive breast feeding. The main obstacle to exclusive breastfeeding identified was absence and unavailability of hygienic creche in office environments, followed by breast and nipple problems, perceived milk insufficiency, pressure from family and sometimes the effect of drugs taken while breastfeeding. Conclusion: Educational programme on exclusive and optimal breastfeeding should be strengthened and mothers enlightened on its importance. Therefore more behavioural changes and communication should be made to promote, protect and support exclusive breast feeding.