Background: Breastfeeding is an unequalled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants and has a unique biological and emotional influence on the health of both mother and child, hence the global effort aimed at promoting, protecting and supporting breastfeeding.
Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and pattern of breastfeeding in a rural community of Sokoto state.
Study design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.
Materials and methods: A total of 260 standardized pre-tested structured questionnaires were interviewer administered based on a set of eligibility criteria.
Results: Out of the 260 mothers that were eligible for the study, 240 agreed to participate in the study. Only 20 (8%) of the respondents had initiated breastfeeding less than one hour after delivery, while majority, 165 (69%) did so after 24hours. Exclusive breastfeeding was highly practised in this community as 188 (78.7%) of the mothers gave only breast milk up to six months after delivery. None of the mothers breastfed for less than six months while 171 (71%) did so for 19-24 months. The relationship between educational attainment and duration of breastfeeding was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Majority of the mothers 141(76%) continued breastfeeding even when they felt their child was old enough to be weaned.
Conclusion: The prevalence of breastfeeding was found to be high in this community; however, there is the need to promote early initiation of breastfeeding to sustain and improve on the rates.