SIGNIFICANT OTHERS AND PRACTICE OF EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING AMONG MOTHERS IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS OF OSUN STATE

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months of life is globally recognized as a critical strategy for improving infant health and reducing child morbidity and mortality. Despite widespread awareness, adherence to EBF remains low in Nigeria, particularly among professional women, who often face work-related and social challenges. This study investigated the influence of significant others - namely husbands, mothers-in-law, and workplace colleagues—on the practice of exclusive breastfeeding among professional women working in tertiary institutions in Osun State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. A total of 360 professional women of reproductive age, who had at least one child within the past five years and were currently working in tertiary institutions, were selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests. Findings revealed that only 40.8% of respondents practiced exclusive breastfeeding for the recommended six-month period, while 34.7% discontinued earlier, and 24.5% did not practice EBF at all. The study found a significant association between husband’s support and EBF practice (χ² = 27.84, p < 0.05), while the influence of workplace support was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Furthermore, mothers-in-law were often a source of conflicting advice, frequently encouraging early supplementation based on cultural beliefs. The study concludes that significant others, particularly husbands, play a crucial role in influencing EBF practices among professional women. However, institutional barriers, especially lack of workplace breastfeeding support, remain a major hindrance. The study recommends targeted education for family members, policy reforms in tertiary institutions to support lactating mothers, and stronger postnatal follow-up by healthcare providers