Factors Affecting the Practice of Exclusive Breast – Feeding Among Nursing Mothers Working with Tertiary Institutions in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the factors affecting the practice of exclusive breastfeeding among nursing mothers working with tertiary institutions in Port Harcourt metropolis. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design with a sample of 60 nursing mothers randomly selected from 2 tertiary institutions in Rivers State using the multi-stage sampling technique. A self-structured and validated questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection with all ethical procedures carefully observed. Data obtained were carefully coded and analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency and percentages. Findings revealed that there are factors already present in the practices of exclusive breast feeding among nursing mothers workers in the two selected tertiary institutions in Port Harcourt City Local Government Rivers State, which include; lack of time due to the full time employment status of mothers, absence of supportive facilities in the workplace and lack of support from family members. The study recommended that nursing mothers under full time employment should be given additional break times to enable them breastfeed their babies at regular intervals. Again, crèche and other supportive facilities should be provided in the workplace for nursing mothers and government should make provision to enhance the breast nursing mothers who are workers of the selected university to enhance their productivity and commitment to work.

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