Table 2.
Distribution of mothers according to knowledge of breastfeeding
| Knowledge about breastfeeding | Correct responses | SE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency (n=220) | Percentage | ||
| Advantages of breastfeeding | |||
| Breast milk contains all the nutrients a baby needs | 190 | 86.4 | 0.023 |
| Protects baby from certain diseases | 163 | 74.1 | 0.030 |
| It is cheaper to breastfeed | 97 | 44.1 | 0.034 |
| It is convenient | 92 | 41.8 | 0.033 |
| Can help with child spacing | 78 | 35.5 | 0.032 |
| Protects mother from some diseases | 21 | 9.5 | 0.020 |
| Promotes infant- mother bonding | 91 | 41.4 | 0.033 |
| Breastfeeding practices | |||
| Breastfeeding initiation within an hour of delivery | 91 | 41.4 | 0.045 |
| Baby should not receive other feeds before breast milk | 195 | 88.6 | 0.021 |
| Baby should receive colostrums | 194 | 88.2 | 0.017 |
| Correct meaning of exclusive breastfeeding | 172 | 78.2 | 0.033 |
| Duration of exclusive breastfeeding as 4-6 months | 100 | 45.5 | 0.045 |
| Breastfeeding should continue for 24 months or more | 27 | 12.3 | 0.062 |
| Expressed breast milk can be preserved | 134 | 60.9 | 0.033 |
| Refrigeration can preserve expressed breast milk | 130 (n=134) | 97.1 | 0.015 |
| Disadvantages of bottle feeding | (n=220) | ||
| Baby may pass frequent watery stools with the use of unsterilized feeding bottles | 162 | 73.6 | 0.030 |
| Baby may not want to suckle at breast anymore | 86 | 39.0 | 0.033 |
| Baby may pass frequent watery stools when hands are not well washed | 119 | 54.1 | 0.034 |
| Feeds may be too hot, cold, watery or too thick | 55 | 25.0 | 0.029 |
| Cannot make baby take more feeds | 182 | 82.7 | 0.026 |
*SE=Standard error of measurements