Abstract
Breastfeeding knowledge and attitude are absolutely necessary for antenatal mothers. This study aimed to assess antenatal mothers' breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes, and their association with sociodemographic characteristics. This cross-sectional study was done among antenatal mothers using semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Twenty-four knowledge-related questions scored one mark for each correct response and zero for incorrect. Scores achieved between 17-24, 9-16, and 0-8 were grouped as adequate, average, and inadequate knowledge respectively. For assessing attitude, on Iowa Infant Feeding Attitudes Scale (IIFAS), seventeen questions were graded on 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 to 5. Scores achieved between70-85, 49-69, and 17-48 were grouped as positive about breastfeeding, neutral, positive about formula feeding respectively. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used to analyse data. The p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Mean age of mothers was 26.74(±4.54) years. Mean knowledge and attitude scores were 13.02 (±4.40) and 54.12(±14.64), respectively. Adequate scores for knowledge and positive attitudes towards breastfeeding were reported in 73(23.5%) and 78(25.1%), respectively. Mothers of elder age, urban residents, with higher education, multiparity, and received breastfeeding instructions in antenatal care were associated with adequate knowledge and positive attitudes toward breastfeeding. Adequate breastfeeding knowledge was associated with nuclear family living and if source of information was healthcare provider. A significant association was found between knowledge and attitude scores (X2=10.028, p-value=0.040). Breastfeeding knowledge was inadequate in more than one-third of the expectant women which signifies the importance of scaling up the counselling about advantages and management of breastfeeding.

Key words: Breast Feeding, Human Milk, Infant, Lactation, Mothers.