A cross sectional study on breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices among lactating mothers in ile ife, nigeria

Infants worldwide are supposed to be fed on breast milk exclusively within the first six months of life and subsequent complementary feeding in addition until about 2 years. The study investigated how breasts and complementary feedings were practiced among lactating mothers attending a primary health centre, at Enuwa, Ile Ife Osun State Nigeria. The study was a cross sectional survey conducted in a primary health care facility centre in Ile Ife, Nigeria. Two hundred lactating women were recruited into the study by convenience sampling method. The data was collected by semi structured pretested questionnaire that elicited information on breast and complementary feeding pattern of respondents with children not older than two years. Data was analyzed using a software of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.Of the 200 nursing mothers interviewed,61% were between the ages of 21-35, 95% of the mothers were married. About 65.5% of the respondents were artisans and traders , while 62.5% among them were secondary school leavers. About 82% exclusively breastfed their babies, while 54% initiated breastfeeding within 30 minutes of birth and 50% practiced complementary feeding at ≥6 months). About 76% had their source of information on the importance of breast and complementary feeding from the health facility. About 75 % preferred 18 months as duration of breastfeeding, while 89.5% breastfed on demand , 97.5% knew the benefits of breast milk and 51% practiced good hygiene. About 23.5% weaned their children on family diet. The study showed that lactating mothers had good exclusive breast feeding and and an average healthy complementary feeding practices.