ATTITUDINAL AND PERCEPTUAL DIMENSIONS OF EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING AMONG NURSING MOTHERS VISITING SPECIALIST HOSPITAL, SOKOTO

This study examined the experiences of mothers currently breastfeeding their children in Sokoto, Nigeria, with a focus on the benefits and challenges of exclusive breastfeeding. The target population consisted of 250 mothers who live in or regularly visit the Specialist Hospital Sokoto, and a sample of 100 breastfeeding mothers with children aged 0–1 year was selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected using a self-structured questionnaire, validated through test-retest methods. Findings indicate that children who were exclusively breastfed for at least six months to two years exhibited better cognitive development, lower risks of stunting and wasting, and reduced likelihood of developing obesity-related health issues. Exclusive breastfeeding was also associated with improved infant health outcomes, contributing to increased lifespan, reduced under-five mortality, and lower maternal mortality, including fewer diarrheal episodes, better oral health, decreased respiratory infections, and reduced breastfeeding complications. The study supports midwives’ recommendations for exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months, followed by the introduction of complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding up to two years. These findings underscore the importance of promoting exclusive breastfeeding practices to enhance child and maternal health outcomes in Nigeria.