Breastfeeding pattern in Jos, Nigeria, before baby-friendly hospital initiative

Interviews were conducted amongst 800 mothers attending Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, to obtain information on prenatal care, knowledge, attitudes, and practices relating to breastfeeding. Of the 653 women who had antenatal care, 75 per cent had breastfeeding education, though devoid of practical demonstration of breastfeeding techniques. Breastfeeding was universal, but only 439 (55 per cent) mothers started breastfeeding within 24 hours of delivery with a mean initiation time of 1.9 days. Prelacteal feeds were often offered. Only 51 (6 per cent) mothers exclusively breastfed at 3 months while early supplementation was common. Acquisition of secondary or post-secondary education was associated with significantly shorter duration of breastfeeding, P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively, when compared with those with or without primary education. These problems are being effectively countered by appropriate health education, training of health workers, and effective lactation management.