Exclusive Breastfeeding Rates and Associated Factors Among Working Mothers in Lagos State, South West Nigeria

Working mothers face unique challenges in sustaining exclusive breastfeeding, particularly in urban environments where workplace lactation support is often inadequate. This cross-sectional descriptive study examines exclusive breastfeeding rates and associated socio-occupational factors among employed mothers in Lagos State, South West Nigeria. A total of 310 working mothers attending postnatal clinics and child welfare services at two tertiary health facilities in Lagos Island and Ikeja were recruited. A structured questionnaire assessed employment type, maternity leave duration, workplace lactation facilities, breastfeeding knowledge, and the role of healthcare provider counselling. The exclusive breastfeeding rate at six months was 38.7%, notably lower than the national average. Maternity leave shorter than 12 weeks was significantly associated with early breastfeeding cessation (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.9-5.1). Only 19.6% of respondents reported access to a dedicated breastfeeding space at their workplace. Formal employment in the private sector was associated with shorter breastfeeding duration compared to public sector employment. Higher maternal educational attainment and antenatal lactation counselling were protective factors. The study highlights structural barriers undermining exclusive breastfeeding among Nigerian working women. Recommendations include the implementation and enforcement of maternity protection legislation, establishment of workplace crèche and lactation room policies, and integration of employer sensitisation into national breastfeeding promotion strategies. Keywords: exclusive breastfeeding, working mothers, Lagos State, lactation support, South West Nigeria.