Accessing exclusive breastfeeding knowledge and practices among mothers of kajiado district of Kenya: A community based study

Exclusive breast-feeding is the most natural and normal means of providing young infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that every country should promote, protect and support breast-feeding program for infants and the mother's health. Exclusive breastfeeding reduces infant mortality due to common childhood illnesses such as diarrhoea or pneumonia, and helps for a quicker recovery during illness. The study employed descriptive-correlational and participatory action research approach employing data collection techniques such as individual interviews using structured questionnaire. A sample size of 200 breastfeeding mothers in the Kadiajo District of Kenya was used for the study. The study showed that 64% of mothers initiated breastfeeding two hours after delivery but 42% were able to exclusively breastfeed for 6 months. Generally, 28% agreed that breast milk alone is inadequate for their babies up to 6 months. Also, 66% of the mothers strongly agree that colostrum which is the first yellowish milk after delivery should be discarded. However, 58.5% of mothers indicated that their husbands influenced their decision and contributed to their breastfeeding while 63.5% received support from other family members. On the other hand, Spearman rho correlation showed no relationship between the variables and exclusive breastfeeding. The study showed poor knowledge and practices of mothers regarding exclusive breastfeeding in Kajiado District of Kenya. This study is important in devising strategies that will increase mother's knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding and assist them adopt better breastfeeding practice.