This study assessed the breastfeeding knowledge and complementary feeding knowledge as well as
their practices among mothers in Enugu state, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to
select 419 mothers with children between 6-24months from 9 randomly selected communities. A semistructured
interviewer administered questionnaire which included socio-demographic characteristics,
8-point knowledge scale and 5-point practice scale of both breastfeeding and complementary feeding.
The data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 and presented using descriptive and
inferential statistics. The mean age of the respondents was 28.4±6 years and 67% had secondary school
education. The knowledge of the respondents indicated that 66.6% were aware of breastfeeding
initiation within one hour of birth, 44.5% reported the introduction of water and herbal drinks while
62.8% agreed that breastfeeding should be continued until the child is 24months. Seven out of every 10
agreed with the commencement of complementary feeding at 6 month and also agreed that local foods
should be used as the main complementary foods for the infants. Nearly all the responded were in
agreement with the inclusion of foods such as staples, legumes as well as eggs and other animal
protein as the main complementary diet to the infants from 6 months up until 24months. The feeding
practice revealed that only 14.5% of the mothers introduced breastmilk within 1 hour of birth and 75%
had introduced prelacteal feeds. Exclusive breastfeeding was practiced by 24.3% and a quarter of the
respondents reported to have been discouraged on the practice of EBF. In all, 68.7% of the respondents
had good knowledge towards infant feeding while the eventual practice of the mothers revealed that
only 22.4% had adequate practice of infant feeding. No significant association was found between
knowledge of mothers and infant feeding practice. This study found suboptimal breastfeeding and
complementary feeding despite their high level of adequate knowledge. There is the need to further
explore the factors responsible for suboptimum feeding practice of mothers.