ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF WORKING CLASS MOTHERS TOWARDS EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING IN GENERAL HOSPITAL, UROMI, ESAN NORTH EAST, L.G.A, EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

This research was carried out to study the attitude and practice of working class
mothers towards exclusive breastfeeding in general hospital Uromi, Edo State.
Exclusive Breastfeeding means giving an infant only Breast milk for the first 6
months The purpose of the Study is to determine attitude and practice of
exclusive breastfeeding by working mothers, knowledge of nursing mothers
regarding exclusive breastfeeding, the factors that affects the attitude and
practice and how to create awareness on its importance. The population and
sample size comprised of 50 working mothers class attending antenatal clinic. A
total of 50 questionnaires were generated and a 100% retrieval rate. Data was analyzed
using percentage distribution table. Findings reveal that majority of the respondents did not understand the concept of exclusive breastfeeding, majority gave water along with Breastfeeding and short maternity leave is a factor affecting the practice of exclusive breastfeeding. Recommendation such as preparation during antenatal period to prepare herself to breastfeed her child exclusively. The government should build crèche system for nursing working mothers in place of work so that exclusive breastfeeding can be practiced at work.

KEYWORDS:
attitude, practice, exclusive breastfeeding mothers.