Breastfeeding knowledge, exclusive breast-feeding duration, and perception of insufficient breast milk supply among lactating mothers in Ikwuano LGA of Abia State

Abstract

Background: The rate of exclusive breastfeeding in Nigeria is still suboptimal Mothers' breastfeeding knowledge and perception of breast milk supply is integral to achieving optimum breastfeeding.

Objective: This study determined exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) knowledge, duration, and Perception of Insufficient Milk Supply (PIMS) among lactating mothers in Ikwuano LGA.

Methods: Three hundred and fifty lactating mothers were randomly selected from five Primary Health Care centers in Ikwuano LGA. A semi-structured questionnaire that comprised of socio-demographic characteristics, EBF knowledge and practice questions and Perceived Insufficient Milk Supply scale was used to elicit information from mother and infant (0-9 months) pairs. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: Results revealed that 58% of mothers had a good EBF knowledge. The mean duration of exclusive breastfeeding was 3 months and only 24.1% practiced exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months. About 54% of the respondents perceived insufficient milk supply Mothers used less sensitive indicators such as infant satiety cues and enough breast milk in the breast to identify PIMS, while sensitive indicators like weight gain and wet diapers were less reported. Inadequate food and drink intake was found to be responsible for most (65%) of mothers perceived reason for insufficient milk supply.

Conclusion: The duration of exclusive breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding rate was below the national target. Improving mothers' breastfeeding knowledge and educating them on the correct way of identifying insufficient milk supply are important determinants in achieving the six months EBF practices.