PERCEPTIONS ON BREASTFEEDING PRACTICES AND CHILD SPACING AMONG MOTHERS IN ABII LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Breastfeeding plays a critical role in maternal and child health and has important implications for fertility regulation through the lactational amenorrhea mechanism. Understanding women's perceptions regarding breastfeeding and child spacing is essential for designing effective reproductive health interventions. This study assessed respondents' perceptions of the relationship between breastfeeding practices and child spacing. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed among 400 respondents. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. Frequencies, percentages, and statistical significance were used to describe respondents' perceptions. The findings revealed that 68.0% of respondents agreed that frequent breastfeeding delays ovulation, while 61.5% agreed that exclusive breastfeeding prolongs postpartum amenorrhea. A substantial majority (73.6%) believed that longer breastfeeding duration increases birth intervals. Conversely, only 47.0% agreed that breastfeeding alone is sufficient for family planning, whereas 53.0% disagreed. More than two-thirds (67.8%) agreed that the early introduction of complementary feeding shortens birth intervals. Furthermore, 77.1% agreed that mental illness can affect breastfeeding and child spacing. All perception domains showed statistically significant response distributions (p < 0.001), indicating strong, structured opinions among respondents. The study demonstrates a general awareness of the biological relationship between breastfeeding and fertility regulation. However, misconceptions regarding the effectiveness of breastfeeding as a sole family planning method persist. Strengthening maternal health education on lactational amenorrhea and optimal breastfeeding practices is recommended to improve reproductive health outcomes and promote informed family planning decisions.