ASSESSMENT OF STRESS FACTORS AFFECTING LACTATING MOTHERS ENGAGED IN EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is widely promoted for its proven benefits to infant survival and maternal health; however, the practice places substantial physical and psychological demands on lactating mothers, particularly in low-resource settings. Guided by Stress Theory and the Psychophysiological Model of Lactation, this study examined stress experiences and stress management techniques among lactating mothers practicing exclusive breastfeeding in Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was employed, involving 214 lactating mothers selected through proportionate sampling from four public health facilities. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, and mean scores on a four-point Likert scale. The findings revealed that excessive fatigue, persistent urge to sleep, lower back pain, headaches, depression, nervousness, and fast breathing were prevalent stress experiences among respondents. In terms of coping mechanisms, muscle relaxation, seeking medical attention, and exercise with dietary regulation were identified as the most commonly adopted stress management techniques, whereas deep breathing, meditation, and reliance on good food alone were less utilized. The results underscore the significant stress burden associated with exclusive breastfeeding and highlight a preference for physically oriented and medically supported coping strategies. The study concludes that addressing maternal stress is critical to sustaining exclusive breastfeeding practices and recommends the integration of structured, non-pharmacological stress management education into postnatal and maternal health programs to enhance maternal well-being and breastfeeding outcomes.