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 the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitudes Scale, 17 questions were graded on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 to 5. Scores achieved between 70-85, 49-69, and 17-48 were grouped as positive about breastfeeding, neutral, and positive about formula feeding, respectively. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to analyze data. The 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 counseling about the advantages and management of breastfeeding.