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ABSTRACT
Breastfeeding is the process of milk transference from mother to a baby that is needed for survival and health. Breastfeeding is a first communication pathway between the mother and her infants. Exclusive breastfeeding is when a baby receives only breast milk, without any additional food or drinks, including water, until 6 months of age. Hence this study was carried out to understand and expose the knowledge and practice of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers in Ugbekun community. This study employed the descriptive survey research method. Three hundred subjects were recruited for this study, of which 143 (47.7%) were between the age bracket 26 – 30 yrs, 250 (83.3%) Christians, 237 (79.0%) were married, 129 (43.0%) had primary level of education, Bini’s dominated the ethic group with 125 (41.7%) respondents and 187 (62.3%) were traders. 113 (55.7%) of the respondents breasted their child for 6 months and 150 (50.0%) breastfed their child on demand. Majority 184 (61.3%) of the respondents had high knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding, but only 105 (35.0%) had high practice of exclusive breastfeeding. The study recorded a huge gap between the level of knowledge and practice of exclusive breastfeeding. The study therefore recommends that more education and support to lactating mothers by health workers should be encouraged and there is still need to reinforce teaching of mothers especially during ante natal clinic by nurses to improve the practice of exclusive breastfeeding.
