Ekinadoese EHIGIATOR

This study examined the challenges influencing exclusive breastfeeding completeness among nursing mothers in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Six research questions were raised and three hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The research adopted a descriptive survey design to identify factors affecting mothers’ ability to complete the EBF period and to explore the influence of education, occupation, and parity on breastfeeding practices. A sample of 215 nursing mothers was drawn from eight functional Primary Health Care Centres using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected with a validated questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests at a 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that while most mothers initiate exclusive breastfeeding, many discontinue prematurely due to challenges such as short maternity leave, inadequate family and workplace support, cultural pressures to introduce water or artificial feeds, breast engorgement, and perceived insufficiency of breast milk. Educational level and occupational status significantly influenced EBF completion, whereas parity showed minimal effect. The study recommends enhanced public health education, workplace breastfeeding policies, and community support initiatives to promote exclusive breastfeeding practices. These findings contribute valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and maternal health advocates seeking to improve child survival and maternal wellbeing in Nigeria.