📖 ABSTRACT/OVERVIEW
Working mothers face unique barriers to exclusive breastfeeding practice, including workplace lactation support deficits, time constraints, and perceived social pressures. This study examined the influence of health education on exclusive breastfeeding practices among working mothers in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, using a longitudinal design. A cohort of 240 employed pregnant women in their third trimester was recruited from federal civil service institutions and private firms in Garki, Wuse, and Gwarinpa districts. Participants were followed from the third trimester to six months post-delivery. Those in the intervention arm received structured antenatal and postnatal health education sessions on breastfeeding techniques, milk expression, and lactation management. Data were collected at four time points using validated questionnaires and breastfeeding records. Generalised estimating equations were applied to account for within-subject correlation. Results showed that intervention group mothers were significantly more likely to achieve exclusive breastfeeding at six months compared to controls (adjusted odds ratio 2.9, p less than 0.01). Workplace lactation break policies and peer support were identified as significant moderators. The study recommends mandatory lactation education in antenatal programmes and advocacy for workplace lactation accommodation policies across the federal civil service. Keywords: exclusive breastfeeding, working mothers, health education, Abuja, longitudinal study
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