The study was undertaken to assess the knowledge and practice of breast feeding among nursing these nursing mothers in Esan central local government area of Edo State. The sample was one hundred thirty nursing mothers attending immunization in all the Primary Health Care Centres in Esan Central Local Government in Edo State of Nigeria that were selected from the population through multistage method of sampling.
The female nursing mothers were provided with yes or no for rating of the knowledge and practice of breast feeding among nursing these nursing mothers. The data were analyzed using frequent count and simple percentage for research question while Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient were used to test the hypnoses to determine the relationship between knowledge and practice of breast feeding among nursing mothers.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
Concept of Breastfeeding
Methods
Findings
Discussion of findings
Conclusion
Recommendations
Objectives and Focus Areas
The primary objective of this study is to investigate the knowledge and practice of breastfeeding among nursing mothers in the Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria, in order to identify gaps between established nutritional recommendations and actual maternal behavior.
- Assessment of maternal knowledge regarding exclusive breastfeeding and its benefits.
- Evaluation of current breastfeeding practices and the early introduction of supplementary foods.
- Identification of socio-cultural hindrances, including family influences and common practices.
- Analysis of the relationship between knowledge levels and actual adherence to breastfeeding recommendations.
- Provision of community-based and clinical recommendations to improve infant health outcomes.
Excerpt from the Book
Concept of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a natural process of infant feeding involving two main methods; exclusive and partial with the latter being most trendy. Nevertheless, exclusivity is the absolute and suitable scheme. However, a good mental, emotional and physical collaboration between the mother and her newborn is required desired outcome (Khresheh, 2011). Breast milk consists of basic nutrients containing proteins, vitamins, fats, minerals and carbohydrate.
Lactoferrin inhibits the growth of iron-dependent bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. This inhibits certain organisms, such as coliforms and yeast that require iron.Secretory IgA also works to protect the infant from viruses and bacteria, specifically those that the baby, mother and family are exposed to. It also helps to protect against E. coli and possibly allergies. Other immunoglobulins, including IgG and IgM, in breast milk also help protect against bacterial and viral infections. Eating fish can help increase the amount of these proteins in your breast milk.Lysozomeis an enzyme that protects the infant against E. coli and Salmonella. It also promotes the growth of healthy intestinal flora and has anti-inflammatory functions.Bifidus factorsupports the growth of lactobacillus. Lactobacillus is a beneficial bacteria that protects the baby against harmful bacteria by creating an acidic environment where it cannot survive.
Fats inhuman milk also contain fats that are essential for the health of your baby. It is necessary for brain development, absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, and is a primary calorie source. Long chain fatty acids are needed for brain, retina, and nervous system development. They are deposited in the brain during the last trimester of pregnancy. The amount and types of vitamins in breast milk is directly related to the mother’s vitamin intake. This is why it is essential that she gets adequate nutrition. Fat-soluble vitamins including vitamins A, D, E and K, are all vital to infant’s health.
Chapter Summary
INTRODUCTION: This chapter establishes the nutritional superiority of breastmilk and the global recommendations for exclusive breastfeeding, while highlighting the research problem regarding poor practices in Nigeria.
Concept of Breastfeeding: This section details the biological components of human milk and the physiological benefits for both infant and mother, framing breastfeeding as the primary foundation for child health.
Methods: This chapter outlines the descriptive research design and the multistage sampling technique used to survey 230 nursing mothers in the Esan Central Local Government Area.
Findings: This section presents descriptive statistics and correlation analysis, revealing that while mothers possess high knowledge regarding breastfeeding, the actual practice remains low due to various sociocultural factors.
Discussion of findings: This chapter interprets the statistical results, confirming a significant relationship between knowledge and practice, and comparing these local results with existing literature stating that sociocultural interference often overrides maternal knowledge.
Conclusion: This chapter summarizes that despite high awareness of exclusive breastfeeding, the prevailing practice is hindered by external influences, requiring targeted interventions.
Recommendations: This chapter suggests actionable steps, emphasizing the need for targeted education for families and daycare centers, as well as policy interventions to prevent nutritional deficiencies in infants.
Keywords
Breastfeeding, Exclusive Breastfeeding, Maternal Knowledge, Infant Nutrition, Esan Central, Public Health, Nursing Mothers, Child Survival, Supplementary Feeding, Colostrum, Lactation, Nutritional Deficiency, Health Education, Infant Immunology, Socio-cultural Factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research focuses on assessing the gap between maternal knowledge and actual breastfeeding behavior among nursing mothers in the Esan Central Local Government Area.
What are the central themes of the work?
The core themes include infant nutrition, exclusive breastfeeding dynamics, barriers to optimal feeding practices, and the influence of community and social support systems.
What is the main research objective?
The objective is to determine whether mothers in the specified region follow the recommended exclusive breastfeeding guidelines and to investigate how their knowledge level relates to their physical practice.
Which scientific methodology was utilized?
The study employed a descriptive research design, using a validated questionnaire for data collection from 230 mothers selected via a multistage sampling technique, followed by Pearson Product Moment Correlation to test hypotheses.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the biological benefits of breastmilk (components like proteins and antibodies), the psychological and social factors influencing breastfeeding, and the statistical analysis of local feeding practices.
Which keywords best characterize this publication?
Key terms include exclusive breastfeeding, infant mortality, nutritional indices, maternal knowledge, and Esan Central Local Government area.
How do sociocultural factors typically affect exclusive breastfeeding in this region?
The study found that maternal influences and cultural beliefs—specifically the advice from mothers-in-law to introduce water or other foods before six months—are significant hindrances to exclusive breastfeeding.
What distinguishes this research regarding infant formula usage?
It highlights that despite mothers knowing the benefits of breastmilk, a high percentage still introduce infant formula or herbs early, which deviates from WHO recommendations.
- Quote paper
- O. B Rotimi (Author), 2021, Breastfeeding among Nursing Mothers in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State. Knowledge and Practice, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1244170
