Socio-economic and Cultural Correlates of Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Nursing Mother
CHAPTER ONE
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The general objective of this study is to identify the socio-economic factors that influence the practice or non-practice of exclusive breastfeeding among women. Specific objective are to:
- Examine patterns of exclusive breastfeeding in Agbado-Ijaiye Community.
- Identify the relationship between the age of mother and attitude to breastfeeding.
- Investigate the influence of the level of education of mothers on their breastfeeding practice.
- Explore the impact of number of birth of mothers on their attitude to breastfeeding.
- To investigate the influence of spacing in birth rate as it affects the practice of exclusive breastfeeding.
- To view the level of literacy of nursing mothers as how it can affect the exclusive breastfeeding practice.
- To examine the government policies as to exclusive breastfeeding practices among mothers.
- To also examine the economic state of the nation as how it affect the practice of exclusive breastfeeding.
- The method of delivery influential in exclusive breastfeeding practice among mothers.
- Insufficient breast milk of mothers as how it influence the practice of exclusive breastfeeding.
- Explore the impact of work engagement of mothers to practice of exclusive breastfeeding.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
INTRODUCTION
Our focus in this chapter is to critically examine relevant literature that would assist in explaining the research problem and furthermore recognize the efforts of scholars who had previously contributed immensely to similar research. The chapter intends to deepen the understanding of the study and close the perceived gaps.
Precisely, the chapter will be considered in two sub-headings:
- Conceptual Framework
- Theoretical Framework
- Chapter Summary
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
The Historical Context Of Breastfeeding
Humans and apes (all hominoids) have had similar defining features of their reproductive physiology including lactation and breastfeeding throughout history (Kennedy, 2005); yet detailed anthropologic work on ancient breastfeeding practices and patterns has rather been scanty (Sellen, 2009), a dearth that is partly blamed on the male ˗ centred perspectives that focus primarily on male activities to the neglect of female related ones such as breastfeeding and child birth (Stuart-Macadam and Dettwyler,1995). Even so, however, breastfeeding has been reported as an age-old practice that has been very critical not only to the physiology, growth, and overall well-being of neonates but the physiology and health of women as well (Stuart-Macadam and Dettwyler, 1995). Indeed, scarcely does a society exist without some form of infant breastfeeding; for it is one of the practices among human societies that transcend the boundaries of time and place. The practice has been a method of feeding to which infants have not only adapted but lived on for most of human existence on earth (ibid). It was also in the course of several centuries, significantly practiced, respected, and the primary attractor of many artistic works such as paintings, drawing, and sculptures (Tonz, 2000; Sellen, 2009).
In many ancient societies, breastfeeding practices were often guided by traditions, ancient medical literatures etc. For instance, the Susruta, an ancient Indian medical text recommended that “in the six month of its birth the child should be fed on light and wholesome rice” (Fildes, 1986 p.16). Similar ancient medical texts such as the Ayur vedic stipulated the use of breast milk as the sole food for babies until the end of the first year (ibid). Besides, early religious scriptures such as the Bible and the Quran also had and still have some recommendations on breastfeeding practices. In Isaiah chapter 66 verse 11, it is mentioned ‘that ye may suck, and be satisfy with the breast of her consolations; that ye may milk out and be delighted with the abundance of her glory’ (Bible, the book of Isaiah 66:11). The Quran similarly stipulates that ‘the mothers shall give suck to their children for two whole years, (that is) for those parents who desire to complete the term of suckling and if you decide on a foster suckling-mother, there is no sin on you, provided you pay the mother what you agreed on reasonable basis’ (Quran 2:233). Indeed, until the 19th century, breastfeeding was the norm in virtually all human societies; and almost every child was breastfed regardless of sociocultural environment and economic status (Soko et al. 2007). Even when mothers were not in a position to breastfeed owing to sickness, death, e.tc other women were made to breastfeed the newborn. Over time, these women, called wet nurses became readily and widely available for breastfeeding services especially for affluent families. According to Stevens, Patrick and Pickler (2009) the emergence of wet nursing in human societies first served an ‘alternative of need’ e.g. during sickness, and later an ‘alternative of choice’ e.g. when it became commercialized. In Europe for instance, wet nursing became a lucrative employment and had been the dominant form of infant feeding from early 15th century to mid – 18th century (Grieco and Corsini, 1991). By late 16th to early 17th century, concerns about wet nursing had grown; and calls for mothers to breastfeed their own babies were being supported by leading authorities like Jacques Guillemeau, a French Obstetrician (Stevens, Patrick and Pickler, 2009). Puritan theologians were also noted to have dedicated sermons and even tracts of behaviour books to criticism of women who failed to breastfeed their own babies (Fildes, 1986). In spite of the disapproval and growing rejection of wet nurses’ services, the practice however, persevered until the 18th and 19th centuries (ibid).
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
AREA OF STUDY
Lagos, sometimes referred to as Lagos State to distinguish it from Lagos Metropolitan Area, is a state located in the southwestern geopolitical zone of Nigeria.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of thirty eight (38) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which thirty (30) were returned and all were validated. For this study a total of 30 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
Introduction
This chapter summarizes the findings into socio-economic and cultural correlates of exclusive breastfeeding among nursing mother using nursing mothers in Agbado-Ijaiye Community of Lagos State as case study. The chapter consists of summary of the study, conclusions, and recommendations.
Summary of the Study
In this study, our focus was on socio-economic and cultural correlates of exclusive breastfeeding among nursing mother using nursing mothers in Agbado-Ijaiye Community of Lagos State as case study. The study specifically was aimed at examining patterns of exclusive breastfeeding in Agbado-Ijaiye Community, identifying the relationship between the age of mother and attitude to breastfeeding, investigating the influence of the level of education of mothers on their breastfeeding practice, exploring the impact of number of birth of mothers on their attitude to breastfeeding, investigating the influence of spacing in birth rate as it affects the practice of exclusive breastfeeding, identifying the level of literacy of nursing mothers as how it can affect the exclusive breastfeeding practice, examining the government policies as to exclusive breastfeeding practices among mothers, examining the economic state of the nation as how it affect the practice of exclusive breastfeeding, examining if method of delivery influences exclusive breastfeeding practice among mothers and exploring the impact of work engagement of mothers to practice of exclusive breastfeeding.
The study adopted the survey research design and conveniently enrolled participants in the study. A total of 30 responses were validated from the enrolled participants where all respondent are active nursing mothers in the study area.
Conclusions
Based on the findings of this study, the researcher made the following conclusion;
- The pattern of exclusive breastfeeding in Agbado-Ijaiye area of Lagos Stateis 6months for non working class mothers.
- There is a relationship between mothersage and their attitude to breastfeeding.
- The level of mother education influencesbreastfeeding attitude.
- Cultures has an impact on breastfeeding practiceamong nursing mothers.
- Births rate has no influence on breastfeeding practiceamong nursing mothers.
- The effect of working mother on exclusive Breastfeedingamong others include; Inability to breast feed baby exclusively at the right our of the day, Inability to feed baby exclusively till 6 months as recommended by WHO and breast engorgement.
- Exclusive breastfeeding increasesthe immunity of the infant.
- The level of household income affectsthe practice of exclusive breastfeeding.
- Government policies affectsthe exclusive breastfeeding among nursing mothers.
- The economic state of a nation affectsthe practice ofexclusive breastfeeding.
11.The method of delivery is influential in exclusive breastfeeding practice among nursing mothers.
- The Nursing Mothers in Agbado-Ijaiye Community practices exclusive breastfeeding.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Following the findings from this study, the following recommendations are therefore made:
- Government and non government organizations involve in the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding should organize more training programme for health workers in the ante-natal and post-natal.
- Promotion of exclusive breastfeeding should involve programmes that will capture not only nursing mothers and health workers, but other members in the communities most especially husbands and older women who are involved in child care.
- Younger generations such as adolescents need to have a reasonable knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding and its many benefits even before child bearing age.
- Facilities such as crèche should be provided by various governments and private organization at work place and in higher institution of learning, to enable nursing mothers who are working or studying continue breastfeeding without jeopardizing their work or study. Employers should also be encouraged to give nursing mothers extra break time to be able to perform this very important act of breastfeeding.
REFERENCE
- Aborigo et al., 2012. Infant nutrition in the first 7 days of life in rural northern Nigeria. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth 2012; 12:76
- Aidam, B.A., Perez- Escamilla, R., Lartey, A. and Aidam, J., 2005. Factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding in Accra. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2005: 59, 789-796
- Alemayehu, T., Haidar, J. and Habte, D., 2009. Determinants of exclusive breastfeeding practices in Ethiopia. Ethiopia. Journal of Health Dev. 23 (1)
- American Academy of Pediatrics., 2012. Breastfeeding and the use of human milk. Pediatrics 129: e827
- Arora, S., Mcjunkin, C., Wehrer, J. and Kuhn, P., 2000. Major factors influencing breastfeeding rates: mother’s perception of fathers attitude and milk supply. Pediatrics 10: e67
- Arts, M. et al., 2010. Knowledge, beliefs, and practices regarding exclusive breastfeeding of infants younger than 6 months in Mozambique: a qualitative study. Journal of Human Lactation 2011 27:25
- Aubel, J., 2006. Grandmothers promote maternal and child health: the role of indigenous knowledge system managers. The grandmother project publication. Available at http://www.grandmotherproject.org/wp-content/uploads/iknt89Download-the-Article.pdf (accessed 23 -02-2013)
- Aubel, J., 2006. Grandmothers promote positive child health practices: a neglected cultural and communication resource. A paper presented at the World Conference on Communication for Development. October 25-27, 2006, Rome. Available at http://www.grandmotherproject.org/wp-content/uploads/WCCD_2006Download-the-Article.pdf (accessed 23 -02-2013)
