Descriptive study and Knowledge association between women and the importance of exclusive breast-feeding in Babylon governorate

Abstract

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is the practice of solely providing breast milk to the infant during the first six months of life, without introducing any other food, drink, or even water, except for essential mineral supplements, vitamins, or medicines. EBF additionally functions as a child's initial immunization, safeguarding them against diseases such as diarrhea, respiratory infections, and potentially life-threatening illnesses. This is a cross-sectional study that is to be conducted at Babylon Maternity and Pediatric Hospital, Al Sadiq Hospital and primary care units. In cross-sectional study of 343 women, the mean age of mothers was 27.97 ± 6.2 years old. We found there are about 60.64% of mothers have good knowledge while 39.07% of them have average knowledge. In this study was found that the highest proportion of mothers have good knowledge about exclusive breast-feeding. There is a significant association between knowledge and socio demographic characteristics in our study (age group, education, occupation, baby weight, parity, and antenatal care visit.