Background: Human milk is uniquely superior as a source of nutrition for infants, and breastfeeding has many benefits.This study determined the breastfeeding knowledge and practices of women who have children aged 0-2 years living in a Naval Barracks.Methods: This descriptive cross sectional study was carried out among 220 women in a Naval Barracks selected using systematic random sampling merlot redbud tree for sale method.
Pre-tested questionnaires were administered by trained interviewers, and data was analyzed using Epi info 2000 and Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 19.Results: There was generally fair knowledge about breastfeeding among the women.Most of the respondents (97.
3%) had ever breastfed their babies, 56.5% of them initiated breastfeeding within an hour of delivery, 24.1% admitted that they gave pre-lacteal feeds, 74.
1% practiced exclusive breastfeeding for a mean period of 4.98 months and 30.7% engaged in bottle-feeding.
Several factors were significantly associated with breastfeeding practices.Conclusions: Breastfeeding practices varied among the respondents despite the fair knowledge.Global Health Implications: This study reveals the need to educate women and here communities worldwide particularly in low-income countries about good breastfeeding practices.
Targeting these women will help to improve maternal and child health.