The Perceived Benefits on Exclusive Breast Feeding Among Lactating Mothers in Singida Municipality-Tanzania: Across-Sectional Study

Abstract

Baraka A. Thomas and Filmon Emily

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding can be defined as the process where the baby receive only breast milk in absence of mixing it with any other food even water for the whole first six month. Only exception of vitamins, minerals supplements or medicines if needed, Breastfeeding the baby for the all first six month of life have the numerous benefits includes lowering the risk of getting gastrointestinal infection, pneumonia, Otitis media and the urinary tract infection for the infants. While mother return to the non-pregnancy weight very rapidly also seen to reduce the risk of getting or developing type 2 diabetes. Although there are some of the factors that affects this exclusive breastfeeding like sore nipple or mothers producing inadequate milk [1].

Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the level of perceived benefits of mothers practice exclusive breastfeeding among lactating mothers at health centers in Singida region.

Methodology: this study was employ descriptive cross sectional study design that involve lactating mothers who have infants less than 6 months of life. The study was done from January to February 2020 in Singida region with 281 respondents. Non-random sampling technique (convenience sampling) used with closed ended questions. The data collected analyzed by using SPSS.

Results: 300 lactating mothers who have attended to the health centers and hospitals in Singida municipal were included in the study. Surprisingly, 65.0% of the lactating mothers they have higher positive perception on benefits of exclusive breast-feeding however about 35.0% have negative perception regarding exclusive breastfeeding.

Conclusion: Most of the lactating mother in Singida region appears to have higher positive perception on the benefits of the exclusive breastfeeding. The fundamental source of data in regards to the significance of exclusive breast-feeding was the health care personals; however appears that, the obstructions for the selective breastfeeding it is just inadequate of breast milk.

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