Figure 1.

Maternal knowledge of breastfeeding (n = 322). S1, S2, S3 and S4 are statements accessing the maternal awareness of the advantages breastfeeding for their babies. S1: A breastfed baby is likely to have fewer infections than a formula fed baby. S2: Breast milk is the ideal food for babies. S3: Breastfeeding provides health benefits for infants that cannot be provided by formula milk. S4: Breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of a large number of infant diseases. K1, K2, K3 and K4 are misconceptions related to breastfeeding. K1.Infant formula should be fed to all newborn infants until their mothers' milk comes in. K2.The nutritional benefits of breast milk last only until the baby is weaned from breast milk. K3.Mother should not breastfeed if she catches a cold. K4.It is the frequency of breastfeeding as well as the milk removed from the breast that stimulates further milk production. Disagree = Strongly disagree/Tend to disagree; Agree = Strongly agree/Tend to agree