Rate of Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Postpartum Mothers at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital's Postnatal Clinic
Despite active promotion, Uganda reports that 36% of children under 6 months are notexclusively breastfed, impacting infant health. This study focuses on 428 interviews withinthe Kampala district's informal sector, aiming to understand exclusive breastfeedingpractices among mothers with infants aged 0–5 months. Results indicated a 41.1% prevalenceof exclusive breastfeeding. Factors linked to this practice included attending antenatal careat least four times, intending to breastfeed exclusively for six months or more, adoptingproper breastfeeding techniques, and the age of the infant. Notably, working in lowerpositions was associated with a lower likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding.Recommendations emphasize the importance of antenatal care in educating mothers aboutexclusive breastfeeding's advantages, enabling informed decisions. Additionally, enforcingmaternity leave benefits outlined in Uganda's Employment Act within the informal sector cansupport women in practicing exclusive breastfeeding.Keywords: Exclusive breastfeeding, Children below 6 months, Antenatal care, Maternityleave