Breastfeeding and abstinence among the Yoruba

Abstract

Contemporary patterns of breastfeeding and postpartum abstinence among the Yoruba of Nigera are examined. Quite extensive periods of postpartum abstinence are still observed by most rural and poorer urban women to prolong breastfeeding and increase child survivorship. Differentials in duration of breastfeeding and abstinence relate to both socioeconomic factors and age, suggesting the likelihood of large future reductions. Implications for family planning prospects and policies are noted.

PIP: The Changing African Family (CAF) Projects and the Nigerian Family (NF) Projects have recently collected detailed information on the traditional fertility practices of the Yoruba, the 2nd largest ethnic group in Nigeria, whose fertility practices are considered to be broadly representative of much of tropical Africa. This paper considered implications of present and prospective breast-feeding and abstinence patterns among the Yoruba for family planning practice and policy. Data are drawn from 4 surveys conducted by CAF and NF 1973-1975. These surveys found that in poor urban areas and rural areas women frequently breast-fed until the 18th month while in richer urban communities only 1/3 of women were still breast-feeding at the 12th month and less than 10% were breast-feeding in the 18th. There is growing evidence that this is a response to greater access to modern health protection, which is equal to or greater than health protection offered by breast-feeding. Recognizing the marginal health care available in much of the population, it is for the health of the infant. Mean birth intervals are 33.1 months for rural women and 33.4 months for poor urban women. Women in monogamous unions and who have higher education breast-feed for shorter periods than poor women in polygamous unions. Among women who considered sex to be only fairly important, breast-feeding lasted about 22 months; among those who considered sex very important, mean duration was 17 months. Diffusion of new ideas regarding sexuality may also affect breast-feeding patterns. Among noncontracepting women 87% felt the woman should live with her husband but asbtain from sexual relations after the birth of a child; 90% observed abstinence through the 12th month, 80% through 18 months, and 65% through a 24-month period. It was the impression of field staff that these reports reflected actual practice. Among women who practice contraception, 80% reported they abstained for 6 months, 50% through 12 months, 30% through 18 months, and 20% through 24 months. These figures show consistency over the 4 surveys. The higher scioeconomic women tend to be contraceptive users and to rely less on abstinence for birth spacing. Family planning programs need to examine the reasons women give for practicing abstinence. About 80% do so for their own health and that of the child. Only 5% see it as limiting family size or ending childbearing. This common element which lies deep in the culture must be at the heart of any family planning program.