Knowledge and Practice of Exclusive Breast Feeding Among Mothers in Gbarantoru Community, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Background: Exclusive breast feeding for the first six months of life significantly improves the growth, health status and survival of infants. However in spite of all the evidence in support of this practice, its prevalence in the developing world has remained low. Aim: To determine the knowledge and practice of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers of infants aged 7 to 24 months in Gbarantoru Community, Bayelsa State, Nigeria in order to derive information to be used for future breast feeding enlightenment programmes in the sub-region. Methodology: During a medical outreach organized by the Nigerian Medical Association, Bayelsa State Branch, 134 mothers of infants aged 7 to 24 months were interviewed on their knowledge and practice of exclusive breastfeeding. Results: 59.7% of the mothers knew the correct definition and duration of exclusive breastfeeding. The major source of their breast feeding knowledge was health workers (80.6%), followed by the mass media (10.4%). All (100%) the mothers breast fed their babies in the first 6 months of life however only 26.9% of them practiced exclusive breast feeding for 6 months. Exclusive breast feeding rate increased with increasing maternal age and education. Mothers who knew the benefits of exclusive breast feeding were more likely to breast feed exclusively compared to those who did not. Conclusion: There is a wide gap between knowledge and practice of exclusive breast feeding among mothers in Gbarantoru Community. There is an urgent need for more programmes aimed at promoting exclusive breastfeeding as well as educating and re-educating health personnel and the general public