Abstract:

The research is a cross-sectional descriptive survey conducted at NKST hospital Mkar, Gboko, North Central Nigeria to assess practice of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) among postnatal mothers. The specific objectives were; to assess the knowledge of postnatal mothers on EBF, to determine the level of understanding of postnatal mothers on importance of EBF, to ascertain if postnatal mothers adopt good attachment while breastfeeding , and to assess factors militating against EBF by the postnatal mothers. Convenient sampling technique was used in selection of samples used for the study. Data were collected from the respondents through self-structured and validated questionnaire. Data obtained were analyzed and presented using frequency distribution table. Based on the findings; the knowledge of postnatal mothers on EBF was very adequate and good, also, the postnatal mothers have good understanding of the importance of EBF, however only very few of the mothers practices EBF. The finding also revealed that majority of mothers does not really know what are indications for good baby attachment to the breast. In addition, the finding show that the major factors militating against EBF includes misconception that crying baby is an indication that the breast was not enough for the baby, hence needed more supplement; nature of their work not permitting them to practice EBF; misconception that EBF makes their breast to sag quick among other factors. The researcher made the following recommendations; health workers especially should put all hands on deck to ensure more implementation of practices of EBF by lactating mothers through adequate dismissal of all misconceptions militating against EBF, and that government should come up with good motivational material incentives for mothers who successfully breast feed their babies exclusively such as giving out wrappers to the mothers, giving such child free primary and secondary education, giving the mothers some reasonable amount of money etc.

Key Words: Assessment, Practice, Exclusive Breast Feeding, Postnatal Mothers. 

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