Knowledge And Attitude Of Nursing Mothers On Exclusive Breastfeeding

1.5 Significance

 It is hoped that the findings of the study will provide a current perceptual database that will inform all of us and more importantly the policy makers on the feelings and views of the mothers about exclusive breastfeeding so that appropriate alternatives to motivate the indulgence of exclusive breastfeeding and its support, would be developed by Breastfeeding mothers, helpers and the populace of Nigeria. 

1.6 Objectives of the Study

 1.6.1 Main objective 

The main objective of the study is to find out the perception on exclusive breastfeeding among postnatal mothers.

 1.6.2 Specific Objectives

 1. Assess the level of Breastfeeding mothers’ views about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding; 

2. Determine the level of breastfeeding mother’s views about barriers to exclusive breastfeeding; 

3. Find the feelings towards exclusive breastfeeding 

4. Identify the behaviour of participants;

5. Investigate any kind of support for breastfeeding mothers on exclusive breastfeeding. 

 1.7 Operational Definitions: - These are precise descriptions of how to derive a value for characteristics the researcher is measuring. It also entails how specific these characteristics are ;

Exclusive breastfeeding - This means giving a baby only breast milk, and no other liquids or solids, not even water unless medically indicated. This should be for the first 6 months (NIYCF, 2007).

Exclusive replacement feeding - This is the process of feeding a child who is not breastfeeding with a diet that provides all the nutrients the child needs until the child is fully fed on family foods. Infant formula is recommended for exclusive replacement feeding when AFASS (Acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe) is met (NIYCF, 2007).

Heat Treated Expressed Breast milk - This means that a mother expresses breast milk and heats it so that the HIV present in breast milk is destroyed making it safe to feed the infant (NIYCF, 2007),

Wet Nursing -This refers to breastfeeding by another woman, who is HIV-negative. 

This may only be considered in special situations such as in case of an orphaned infant and

the family can not meet AFASS. The wet nurse should be tested every three months (NIYCF, 2007).

Infant - A baby under one year of age or from birth to 12 months of age (NIYCF, 2007),

Knowledge - To have information in one's mind as a result of experience or because you have learned or been told (Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary, 2005).

Attitude - The way one thinks, feels or behaves about somebody or something (Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary, 2005).

Bottle feeding - Feeding an infant from a bottle, whatever is in the bottle including expressed milk (NIYCF, 2007).

Breast milk substitute - Any food being marketed or otherwise represented as a partial or total replacement for breast milk, whether or not suitable for that purpose (NIYCF, 2007).

Complementary feeding - Child receives both breast milk or a breast substitute and solid (or semi-solid) food, recommended from the time the baby is 6 months old (NIYCF, 2007).

Complementary food - Any food, whether manufactured or locally prepared; suitable as a complement to breast milk or to infant formula when either becomes insufficient to satisfy the nutritional requirements of the infant (NIYCF, 2007).

Mixed feeding - Partial breast feeding and giving some other milk (NIYCF, 2007).