Background: Exclusive breastfeeding rate is an indicator for reduction of maternal mortality. This study determined the associations of maternal socio-demographic variables on the practice Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) among nursing mothers in Obio-Akpor Local Government, Rivers State.

Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study was carried out among 386 nursing mothers attending infant welfare clinic in six primary healthcare centres.  A structured questionnaire was used to obtain data on exclusive breastfeeding practice. Data were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) windows version 25.

Results: Out of a total 386 women, 33.9% practiced exclusive breastfeeding, 35.5% initiated breastfeeding within the first hour of delivery. Logistic regression analysis showed that those who were more likely to exclusively breastfeed include older mothers ≥ 35years (p value ≤ 0.05), mothers with higher than secondary education (p = 0.02), those who delivered at health facility (p = 0.014). Those who were less likely to breastfeed include farmers/traders (p = 0.032) and single mothers (p = 0.02). Source of information about EBF from health workers is 76.4%.

Conclusion: The study revealed that a minimal proportion of the study sample practiced exclusive breastfeeding and the rate was highest in older mothers (≥ 35) years compared to the younger age. Age, marital status, educational level and occupation were maternal factors significantly associated with practice of exclusive breastfeeding among nursing mothers.  There should be renewed effort in promoting the practice and support of EBF.