Working Mother Attitude and Practice of Exclusive Breast Feeding Pattern among Banker in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
1 Ilori O.A 1Nupo S.S, 2Akinlotan J.V, 1Nupo O.A, & 3Adenekan M.K
1Nutrition and Dietetic Department Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ojere, Abeokuta
2Department of Adult Education, University Of Ibadan
3Departmentof Food Technology, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ojere, Abeokuta
ABSTRACT:
Infant nutrition determines the holistic development of the child. This study was carried out to assess the attitude of working mother towards exclusive breastfeeding. A structured questionnaire was administered to one thousand eligible working mothers in selected banks across Abeokuta metropolis Ogun state Nigeria. Data were collected using heightometer for measuring height, weighing scale for measuring weight and tape measure for measuring waist circumference. The result of the study showed that 23.8% of the respondents exclusively breastfed their babies, while 76.2% breast feed with both breast feeding and breast milk substitute. About 76.2% did not have enough time to breast feed their babies, 52.1% were not aware of the suggested health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding. The results of the body mass index of the subject reviewed that 12.4% were underweight (<18.5), 54.3% were normal (> 18.5 – 24.9), 25.1% were overweight (25.0 – 29.9), 5.2% were obese grade I (30.5 – 34.9), 1.3% were obese grade II (35.5 – 39.9). The rate of exclusive breast feeding was very low among the study group. Corporate organization should give appropriate time to the workers to exclusively breast feed their babies.
