Cultural Beliefs and Practices Regarding Exclusive Breastfeeding in Sokoto State, Nigeria

Abstract

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) remains a cornerstone of infant health and survival, yet cultural beliefs and traditional practices continue to shape maternal feeding behaviours in profound ways, particularly in Northern Nigeria. This paper examines the cultural beliefs and practices surrounding exclusive breastfeeding in Sokoto State, Northwestern Nigeria, a region characterised by deep-rooted traditions, strong Islamic religious influences, and significant socio-economic challenges. The study adopted a mixed-methods descriptive survey design, collecting quantitative data from 1,000 breastfeeding mothers across six Local Government Areas in Sokoto State's three senatorial districts, complemented by qualitative in-depth interviews with healthcare personnel, traditional rulers, and religious leaders. The findings reveal that while Sokoto State has strong cultural and religious foundations that theoretically support breastfeeding, significant gaps exist between cultural ideals and actual EBF practices. Key cultural barriers include widespread prelacteal feeding practices (reported by 62% of respondents), the strong influence of grandmothers and husbands on feeding decisions (74% of mothers reported deferring to family elders), persistent misconceptions about colostrum being "dirty" or insufficient (reported by 58% of rural respondents), taboos against breastfeeding during maternal illness (47%) and menstruation (41%), and the early introduction of complementary foods driven by perceptions of breast milk insufficiency (53%). The study further found that maternal education, household income, and access to healthcare significantly mediated the relationship between cultural beliefs and EBF practices. The paper argues that effective interventions must be culturally sensitive, engage community gatekeepers, including grandmothers, traditional birth attendants, and religious leaders, and address the structural determinants that shape maternal choices. Recommendations include community-based education programmes targeting family decision-makers, training healthcare workers in culturally competent breastfeeding counselling, strategic engagement of imams and Islamic scholars to clarify religious teachings on breastfeeding, and policy reforms to support working mothers.