Table 4 Exclusive breastfeeding practices of the studied rural women during the COVID-19 pandemic (n = 178)

Starting breastfeeding during the 1st hour after delivery

21

11.8

157

88.2

Feeding colostrum for the 1st 3 days

169

94.9

9

5.1

Giving prelacteal feeds to the newborn infant

86

48.3

92

51.7

Each feeding duration for a ≥ 15 min

105

59.0

73

41.0

Providing both breasts on each feed

46

25.8

132

74.2

Starting with last breast on the subsequent feed

68

38.2

110

61.8

Feeding only breast milk for the 1st six months

27

15.2

151

84.8

Using artificial teats or pacifiers

163

91.6

15

8.4

Practicing skin-to-skin contact

3

1.7

175

98.3

Allowing others to kiss the infant

172

96.6

6

3.4

Vaccinated against the coronavirus

37

20.8

141

79.2

Maintain good respiratory hygiene

118

66.3

60

33.7

Committed with facemask outdoors

100

56.2

78

43.8

Washing hands after coughing or sneezing

101

56.7

77

43.3