TITLE:
Balancing Work and Motherhood: Insights into Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices among Nursing Mothers in Ibadan, Oyo State
AUTHORS:
Tubosun Alex Olowolafe, Adeola Iyanuoluwa Olaoye, Victor Idowu Joel-Medewase
KEYWORDS:
Infant Nutrition, Maternal Employment, Workplace Support, Working Mothers, Lactation Support, Breastfeeding Barriers, Maternity Leave
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.16 No.1,
January
9,
2026
ABSTRACT: The low rate of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is a significant contributor to the high mortality and morbidity rates among under-five children in Nigeria. Increased female participation in the labour sector has been linked to the reduced practice of EBF. Understanding the knowledge and intention to practice EBF is crucial for designing policies aimed at achieving targets associated with Sustainable Development Goals 2 and 3. Thus, this study assessed the knowledge, intention, and practice of EBF among privately employed nursing mothers in southwestern Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 working nursing mothers from the private sector in Ibadan, West Africa’s largest metropolis. Data were collected using an adapted self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using frequency, proportion, chi-square, and logistic regression. The majority (42.8%) of respondents were aged 30-34 years, while 26.4% were older than 34 years. Most respondents (74.5%) demonstrated good knowledge of EBF. Nearly 79% expressed the intention to practice EBF, yet only 51.2% adhered to exclusive breastfeeding for the recommended six months. Women under 30 years were 39% less likely to practice EBF compared to those over 34 years (AOR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.26 - 1.41). Factors such as short maternity leave, an unfriendly work environment, lack of social support, and inadequate lactation facilities were associated with the actual practice of EBF. A gap exists between the intention to practice EBF and its actual practice, primarily due to insufficient maternity leave, workplace challenges, and lack of partner support. Urgent strategies are needed to bridge this gap and promote the health and well-being of both mothers and children.