ADENOMOH MARTHA OSEMUDIAMEN

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is a vital public health strategy recommended for the first six months of life, providing optimal nutrition and immunity for infants. Despite its benefits, many nursing mothers face challenges that hinder its effective practice. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of exclusive breastfeeding among nursing mothers attending the Infant Welfare Clinic at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed, involving 127 nursing mothers selected through a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized to summarize and interpret the data. The findings revealed that a majority of the respondents demonstrated good knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding, with 75.6% correctly identifying the recommended six-month duration. However, while 59.1% practiced exclusive breastfeeding, a notable proportion discontinued before six months due to factors such as return to work, lack of family support, and perceived insufficient breast milk. Significant associations were found between knowledge and practice levels, as well as between exclusive breastfeeding practice and socio-demographic variables such as age and parity. The study concluded that although knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers was generally high, this did not always translate into optimal practice. Gaps remain due to socio-cultural and economic challenges. Based on the findings, it is recommended that more targeted health education and breastfeeding support programs be implemented, especially those addressing workplace support and family involvement. Policymakers should also consider extending maternity leave and promoting breastfeeding-friendly environments in public and private sectors to improve exclusive breastfeeding rates. This study provides useful insights for healthcare providers and stakeholders involved in maternal and child health promotion.

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) refers to the practice of feeding infants only breast milk for the first six months of life, without introducing any other liquids or solids, except for oral rehydration solutions, drops, syrups (vitamins, minerals, or medicines) as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). This
practice is recognized globally as one of the most effective strategies for reducing infant morbidity and mortality, especially in low- and middle-income countries (Wu et al., 2022). EBF not only provides essential nutrients for infant growth and development but also protects against common childhood illnesses such as diarrhea and pneumonia, thereby promoting
overall child survival and development (Gebeyehu et al., 2023; WHO, 2020, as cited in Wu et al., 2022). Despite strong global advocacy, the rates of EBF rmain suboptimal in many regions, including sub-Saharan Africa. According to Ejie et al. (2021), barriers to EBF in African countries include socio-cultural beliefs, inadequate maternal knowledge, limited support from health professionals, and economic pressures. In Nigeria, EBF is a significant public health concern. The 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) reported that only 29% of infants under six months were exclusively breastfed, which is far below the WHO's global target of at least 50% by 2025 (Okoroiwu et al., 2021). This statistic highlights a significant gap between policy recommendations and actual maternal practices