Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months after birth: A cross-sectional study in health care centers in Khartoum, Sudan

Background: Encouraging exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practices for the first 6 months of life is the most effective intervention for lowering childhood morbidity and death. However, compliance with breastfeeding recommendations is lacking in many developing countries. Thus, this study aimed to analyze mothers’ breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, and practices, as well as factors that impact EBF at 6 months. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted on 128 mothers who came for children’s vaccination at primary health care centers using a structured questionnaire in form of dichotomous, multiple choice, and open and scaling questions. Results: Of all mothers, 80.5% previously received information about breastfeeding. Of them, 38 (29.7%) initiated breastfeeding within 1 hour of delivery. Of the participants, <50% knew (46.1% and 44.5%, respectively) about breastfeeding, and 92.2% of mothers (118) had a negative view of EBF. The length of EBF for 1–2 months, 3–4 months, and 5–6 months were 3.9%, 82.8%, and 13.3%, respectively. Other foods are introduced before 6 months of age because of insufficient breast milk (15.6%) and the mother has work (11.7%). Conclusion: EBF for up to 6 months was not recommended despite the high percentage of mothers who initiated breastfeeding right after birth or within a few hours. Sustained health and community-based nutritional education are recommended for pregnant and lactating mothers to promote optimal breastfeeding for the initiation and continuation of breastfeeding practices. More counseling and support are needed for working mothers. Key words: exclusive breastfeeding, first six months, Khartoum, Sudan