Parental Attitudes Toward Exclusive Breastfeeding

Globally 45% of infants under six months of age are exclusively breastfed (EBF), while malnutrition accounts for approximately 45% of all child deaths (United Nations Children’s Fund)¹. In low and middle-income countries 4% of infants are never breastfed, whereas in high-income countries this figure rises to 21% ². The study explores attitudes of mothers toward exclusive breastfeeding in Georgia’s two big cities: Tbilisi and Batumi. Using a mixed-methods approach that included focus groups with pediatricians and a self-administered survey of 200 mothers in Tbilisi 92.9% of mothers reported practicing EBF, while in Batumi the rate was 95%. 86.5% believed they were exclusively breastfeeding even when providing other foods. Analysis demonstrated positive correlations between EBF and infant health (r = .667), maternal health (r = .236), and formula use (r = .224). Insights from focus groups underscored persistent challenges, such as the impact of aggressive formula marketing and systemic barriers.