Factors affecting Practice of Exclusive Breast Feeding at Hay Albayan, Wad Madani, Gezira State, Sudan (2016)

Abstract

Breast feeding is natural and the most effective way of nourishment to feed infants and young children to ensure child health and survival .currently, the world health organization (WHO) and the American Academy of pediatrics (AAP) and other health organizations recommend exclusive breast feeding through the first six months of life Although Exclusive Breast Feeding has been shown to reduce the occurrence of adverse health outcomes to infant and mother, the duration of Exclusive Breast Feeding remains low. The purpose of this study was to indentify factors affecting not to practice Exclusive Breast Feeding among mothers during the first six months post-partum. Across–sectional descriptive and analytical design and a full coverage sampling method were used to conduct this study . A questionnaire was used to collect the data form 178 mothers who met the inclusion criteria and who live in Hay Albayan ,Wad Madani, Gezira state, Sudan .The finding showed that the rate of Exclusive Breast Feeding was high (87.6%). The major maternal problem indentifies for not continuing Exclusive Breast Feeding were (a) insufficient breast milk (b) influence of advertisements and experience of others , (c) perception of mothers that breast milk is insufficient for infant nutrition . Findings suggested that health care professionals should develop interventions that promote a positive attitude toward Exclusive Breast Feeding .A positive attitude toward Exclusive Breast Feeding will create a social change within the community to promote Exclusive Breast Feeding .