PERCEPTION AND PRACTICE OF EXCLUSIVE BREAST FEEDING AMONG STUDENT- AND WHITE COLLAR- MOTHERS IN ZARIA, KADUNA STATE.

Abdulkareem, S. B

This study examines the health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding between exclusively breastfed babies and non exclusively breastfed babies of white collar mothers in Zaria.Questionnaire was used as research instrument to collect data from white collar mothers in Zaria. Purposive sampling technique was used in selecting some institutions and organizations in Zaria where women work in the two Local Government Areas of the study.Three hundred questionnaires were administered to white collar mothers who are presently breastfeeding or who had breastfed in the last thirteen years ie between 1997-2010.The method of data analysis used was simple percentage and chi-square.Research findings reveal that about 64% of the mothers are aware of exclusive breastfeeding and practiced it. It was also discovered that majority of babies who are not exclusively breastfed (58%) fell ill very often during the first year of life in contrast to 15% of those who were exclusively breastfed.The findings also indicate that most of the babies exclusively breastfed suffered no illness during their first year of birth ,in contrast to only 16% of those who had complementary feeding.It is therefore recommended that mothers should be enlightened on the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding on the health of their children.

Key words: Exclusive breastfeeding, perception, practice, white-collar mothers, nursing mothers.