Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices Among Nursing Mothers in Owerri Municipality Council, Imo State

The study examined exclusive breastfeeding practices among nursing mothers in Owerri Municipality Council, Imo State, focusing on methods, reasons, and challenges they face. The study surveyed exclusive breastfeeding mothers in the study area, using questionnaires for data collection, frequency and percentage analysis. The study revealed that 70% of nursing mothers breastfeed their babies within an hour after birth, 85% do not breastfeed more than 10 times daily within 24 hours, and 80% breastfeed when the baby cries. 91% of nursing mothers believe exclusive breastfeeding provides a healthy diet, 85% believe it prevents breast cancer, and 84% accept it protects the baby from sickness. 80% of nursing mothers face challenges in exclusive breastfeeding due to low breastmilk production and insufficient milk supply, while 55% experience job-related challenges. The study highlights the challenges faced by mothers exclusively breastfeeding their children, suggesting that nurses and midwives should offer solutions to address these issues.