Breastfeeding Practices Among Working Class Women in Ogbomoso North Local Government Secretariat, Oyo State

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) remains one of the most effective strategies for improving infant survival and promoting maternal health. Despite widespread awareness of its benefits, the practice of EBF remains low, particularly among working-class women who face a range of occupational, physical, and socio-cultural barriers. In Nigeria, where infant morbidity and mortality are prevalent, understanding the dynamics of EBF among employed mothers is essential for informing public health interventions and policy reform. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, breastfeeding performance, and challenges associated with exclusive breastfeeding among working-class women in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area, Oyo State. The objective was to evaluate the level of awareness and practice of EBF, identify barriers influencing its implementation, and explore the role of occupation and institutional support in shaping breastfeeding behaviors. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, and data were collected from 177 working mothers via a structured questionnaire that incorporated the Breastfeeding Performance Index (BPI). The instrument assessed socio-demographic factors, knowledge of EBF, breastfeeding practices, and related challenges. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 22, applying both descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests to examine relationships among variables. The results showed that 78.5% of the respondents were aware of EBF, and 76.8% correctly identified its six-month duration. A high proportion (83.6%) demonstrated good breastfeeding performance, although knowledge did not significantly predict performance (p = 0.889). However, breastfeeding performance was significantly associated with actual EBF practice (p = 0.002) and with mothers’ occupations (p < 0.001). Major challenges reported included inadequate maternity leave, sore nipples, insufficient milk production, and cultural pressure to introduce artificial feeds. The researchers conclude that while knowledge of EBF is high among working mothers, practice is constrained by structural and cultural barriers. We recommend extending maternity leave to six months, implementing workplace breastfeeding support, and strengthening community education efforts to promote sustainable exclusive breastfeeding practices.