Abstract

Optimal infant feeding was exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months after which complementary foods should
be introduced with continuation of breastfeeding until two years or beyond. This study assessed the prevalence of EBF,
and the socio-demographic and physiological factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding among first-time mothers in some
health facilities in Bushenyi district, Western Uganda. A descriptive cross-sectional study design which employed both
quantitative and qualitative methods in data collection was used for this study. The health facilities were purposively
sampled while the first-time mothers (respondents) were randomly sampled. Data was collected from 183 respondents using
a well-tested and validated questionnaire. Data were statistically analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences
(SPSS) (version 12.0) Initiation of breastfeeding after birth was done within the first hour of birth by most of the first-time
mothers was low (41.53%). Only 22.81% of the mothers breastfed this child exclusively. The socio-demographic factors
which significantly influenced exclusive breastfeeding practices among first-time mothers were marital status (X2 =17.715,
p = 0.000), the level of education (X2 = 10.680, p = 0.014) and occupation (X2 = 14.431, p = 0.002) The rate of EBF among
first-time lactating mothers in the Bushenyi district is low, this is partly influenced by some individual and physiological
factors. Hence health facility deliveries were therefore encouraged through outreach health education by the district health
authorities to enhance optimal EBF practices.