Knowledge and Attitude towards Exclusive Breast Feeding among Mothers Attending Antenatal Care (ANC) in Brikama District Hospital, Brikama, Gambia

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) recommend starting breastfeeding within first hour after birth, exclusively (EBF) for six months, continuing up to two years or beyond, in addition adequate complementary foods. A structured pretested questionnaire was used collect data from 384 mothers attending antennal health care at Brikama District Hospital Brikama, Gambia, 1st June 30th June. mean age (standard deviation (SD)) of women 26.69(±5.67) ranged 16 49 years. Majority were married (92.19 %) extended families (67.19 %). findings indicate that majority participants knew about EBF (88.28%) workers (58.22%). Furthermore, most preferred (58.85%) agreed babies should be breastfed on demand (65.63%). knowledge attitude towards very high positive. Overall, respondents (85.94%) favored (69.79%) EBF.