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Sociocultural factors and the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding in rural Yoruba communities of Osun State, Nigeria

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  • Davies-Adetugbo, Anita A.

Abstract

Child survival strategies include prolonged and intensive breastfeeding, together with its early initiation, and breastmilk only for the first six months of life. This paper reports on local knowledge and attitudes of breastfeeding and the sociocultural factors that shape its practice in poor rural Yoruba communities of Southwestern Nigeria. The study has conducted 10 focus group discussions among homogeneous groups of grandmothers, pregnant women, lactating mothers, husbands, and community health workers, and a questionnaire survey of 256 third trimester pregnant women. All women in these communities breastfeed their infants on demand, and for up to two years, because breastmilk is universally accepted as the best food for babies, and breastfeeding spaces births. Prelacteal feedings of water herbal infusions and ritual fluids are the norm, and breastmilk is supplemented, from birth, with water and teas. Exclusive breastfeeding is considered dangerous to the infant: the baby has an obligatory requirement for supplementary water to quench its thirst and promote its normal development, and for herbal teas which serve as food and medicine. Colostrum is discarded because it is dirty, "like pus", and therefore potentially harmful to the infant, although 24% of the survey sample would give it to their babies. Expressed breastmilk is suspect as it can get contaminated, poisoned or bewitched. Complementary foods are introduced as early as two months because of perceived lactation insufficiency. The commonest supplement is a watery maize porridge of low nutrient density. Breast-feeding can also be dangerous, as toxins and contaminants can be passed to the infant through breast-milk. The most serious conflict with the WHO/UNICEF recommendations is the lack of local credibility of exclusive breastfeeding. According to local knowledge, the early introduction of water, herbal teas, and of complementary foods is designed to enhance child survival, while these are supposed to do the exact opposite by the WHO/UNICEF rationale, by exposing the infant to contaminants early, thereby increasing diarrheal morbidity and mortality. Child survival interventions need to address this conflict.

Suggested Citation

  • Davies-Adetugbo, Anita A., 1997. "Sociocultural factors and the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding in rural Yoruba communities of Osun State, Nigeria," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 45(1), pages 113-125, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:45:y:1997:i:1:p:113-125
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    Cited by:

    1. Felix Akpojene Ogbo & Blessing J. Akombi & Kedir Y. Ahmed & Abdon G. Rwabilimbo & Akorede O. Ogbo & Noel E. Uwaibi & Osita K. Ezeh & Kingsley E. Agho & on behalf of the Global Maternal and Child Healt, 2020. "Breastfeeding in the Community—How Can Partners/Fathers Help? A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-13, January.
    2. Bezner Kerr, Rachel & Dakishoni, Laifolo & Shumba, Lizzie & Msachi, Rodgers & Chirwa, Marko, 2008. ""We Grandmothers Know Plenty": Breastfeeding, complementary feeding and the multifaceted role of grandmothers in Malawi," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 66(5), pages 1095-1105, March.
    3. Hofmann, Jennifer & De Allegri, Manuela & Sarker, Malabika & Sanon, Mamadou & Bhler, Thomas, 2009. "Breast milk as the "water that supports and preserves life"--Socio-cultural constructions of breastfeeding and their implications for the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV in," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 89(3), pages 322-328, March.
    4. Ashimolowo, Olubunmi R. & Aromolaran, Adetayo K. & Akinmoyede, Omolola G., 2013. "Farming Mothers’ Perceptions on Exclusive Breastfeeding in Ori-Ade Area, Osun State," Asian Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development, Asian Economic and Social Society (AESS), vol. 3(04), pages 1-10, April.

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