WORK-RELATED INFLUENCES ON EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING AMONG NIGERIAN MOTHERS: A STUDY IN EKITI STATE

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months of life is a critical public health strategy to ensure infant survival, nutrition, and development. Despite the introduction of multiple breastfeeding policies and initiatives in Nigeria—such as the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative and the National Policy on Infant and Young Child Feeding—exclusive breastfeeding rates remain low. This study investigates breastfeeding patterns among mothers of different occupational groups in Ekiti State, Southwestern Nigeria, to understand how occupation influences the practice of EBF. Using a cross-sectional approach, the study explores the complex interplay between structural, individual, and environmental factors affecting mothers’ ability to practice exclusive breastfeeding. Notably, while early initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour and first day after delivery has seen some improvement, national data reveal stagnation in exclusive breastfeeding rates, with only 29% of infants under six months exclusively breastfed according to the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey. The informal labor sector, which constitutes the majority of the female workforce in Nigeria, presents unique challenges that may hinder EBF practices. These include lack of maternity leave, inadequate workplace breastfeeding support, and the cultural belief systems that discourage breastfeeding. The findings also underscore how socio-cultural norms, such as concerns over physical appearance or traditional infant feeding beliefs, further complicate breastfeeding decisions. This study underscores the need for targeted workplace policies and community-based interventions tailored to diverse occupational settings. Supportive structures in both formal and informal employment sectors, increased access to state-level breastfeeding resources, and advocacy for breastfeeding-friendly environments could significantly enhance exclusive breastfeeding rates in Ekiti State and beyond.