Breast-feeding Practices of Mothers from Mid-Western Nigeria

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Abstract
A total of 150 mothers comprising of 50 literate, 60 illiterate mothers and 40 nurses were interviewed at the health centres/clinics of the Mid-Western region of Nigeria with regard to their attitude towards breast feeding. The mothers' occupations were varied and included teaching, trading, homemaking, nursing and farming. Literate mothers had on the average 1 to 6 children whereas illiterate mothers had 1 to 9 children. The majority of literate mothers breast fed their children for 2 to 9 months whereas illiterate mothers breast fed for 6 to 18 months. Majority of literate mothers preferred bottle feeding to breast feeding and illiterate mothers the reverse. The problems of breast feeding were usually cracked nipples, swollen or painful breasts and breast abscess. Social pressure from the husband and other relatives was the main reason for the discontinuance of breast feeding. Literate mothers started feeding milk substitutes much earlier than illiterate mothers. One of the problems found with feeding bottle milk was diarrhoea. Nurses' advice was taken for choosing the type and time for introducing milk substitutes. Retardation of growth in babies coincided with introduction of milk substitutes. The need for reinforcing breast feeding practices especially in developing countries is discussed and suggestions are given for action to be taken.

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