Analysis Of Factors That Influence Exclusive Breastfeeding In The Work Area Of ​​Medan Helvetia Health Center In 2017

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Introduction

Exclusive breastfeeding is a crucial aspect of infant growth and development, providing essential nutrients and antibodies that promote optimal health and development. In the working area of ​​Medan Helvetia Health Center in 2017, a study was conducted to analyze the factors that influence exclusive breastfeeding among mothers who have babies aged more than 6 months to less than 1 year. This study employed the factor analysis method with the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) approach to identify the various variables involved.

Research Methodology

This research was conducted with a survey approach involving 80 respondents, targeting mothers who are able to provide exclusive breastfeeding to their babies. The results showed that there were two main factors that affected exclusive breastfeeding. The first factor is External Factor, which includes five variables: health workers, promotion of formula milk, availability of lactation space, role model (role model), and government or hospital regulations. The second factor is Internal Factor, which includes two variables: the psychological condition of the mother and abnormalities that the mother may experience.

Results and Discussion

From the analysis conducted, the two factors explained 74.016% of the variance of exclusive breastfeeding in the working area of ​​Medan Helvetia Health Center. This shows that both external and internal factors have a significant contribution to the mother's decision to provide exclusive breastfeeding to their babies.

External Factors

External factors play an important role in facilitating or inhibiting exclusive breastfeeding. For example, the presence of health workers who actively provide counseling can increase mother's knowledge about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding. Conversely, the promotion of aggressive formula milk can shake the belief of the mother to breastfeed. The availability of lactation space in public places is also an important variable; This space provides comfort for mothers to breastfeed their babies.

  • Health Workers: The presence of health workers who actively provide counseling can increase mother's knowledge about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding.
  • Promotion of Formula Milk: The promotion of aggressive formula milk can shake the belief of the mother to breastfeed.
  • Availability of Lactation Space: The availability of lactation space in public places provides comfort for mothers to breastfeed their babies.
  • Role Model: The presence of role models who practice exclusive breastfeeding can encourage other mothers to do the same.
  • Government or Hospital Regulations: The implementation of policies and regulations that support exclusive breastfeeding can encourage mothers to practice it.

Internal Factors

On the other hand, internal factors related to the psychological condition of the mother are also no less important. Mothers who have good emotional support and do not experience psychological problems tend to be more able to maintain exclusive breastfeeding practices. Meanwhile, abnormalities experienced by mothers, both physically and mentally, can inhibit their ability to exclusively breastfeed.

  • Psychological Condition of the Mother: Mothers who have good emotional support and do not experience psychological problems tend to be more able to maintain exclusive breastfeeding practices.
  • Abnormalities Experienced by Mothers: Abnormalities experienced by mothers, both physically and mentally, can inhibit their ability to exclusively breastfeed.

Recommendation

Based on the results of this study, it is recommended to the leadership of Medan Helvetia Puskesmas to increase the intensity of services for nursing mothers. This can be done through a more intensive counseling program, as well as sustainable monitoring. In addition, it is important for the Puskesmas to be firm in supervising and banning the promotion of formula milk among nursing mothers. Advocating the availability of lactation space in public places and building communication and cooperation with community leaders is also a crucial step to encourage the community to be more aware of the importance of exclusive breastfeeding.

Implementation of Recommendations

To implement the recommendations, the following steps can be taken:

  • Increase Intensity of Counseling Program: Provide more intensive counseling program for nursing mothers to increase their knowledge about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding.
  • Sustainable Monitoring: Conduct regular monitoring to ensure that the counseling program is effective and to identify areas for improvement.
  • Supervise and Ban Promotion of Formula Milk: Supervise and ban the promotion of formula milk among nursing mothers to prevent them from being influenced by aggressive marketing.
  • Advocate Availability of Lactation Space: Advocate the availability of lactation space in public places to provide comfort for mothers to breastfeed their babies.
  • Build Communication and Cooperation with Community Leaders: Build communication and cooperation with community leaders to encourage the community to be more aware of the importance of exclusive breastfeeding.

Conclusion

Exclusive breastfeeding is a crucial aspect of infant growth and development, providing essential nutrients and antibodies that promote optimal health and development. The study conducted in the working area of ​​Medan Helvetia Health Center in 2017 identified two main factors that affect exclusive breastfeeding: external factors and internal factors. The results of this study provide valuable insights into the factors that influence exclusive breastfeeding and can inform the development of effective strategies to promote exclusive breastfeeding in the community.

Introduction

Exclusive breastfeeding is a crucial aspect of infant growth and development, providing essential nutrients and antibodies that promote optimal health and development. However, many mothers may have questions and concerns about exclusive breastfeeding. In this article, we will address some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about exclusive breastfeeding.

Q1: What is exclusive breastfeeding?

A1: Exclusive breastfeeding is the practice of feeding a baby only breast milk, without any other foods or liquids, for the first six months of life. This means that the baby receives only breast milk, and no other foods or liquids, including formula, water, or juice.

Q2: What are the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding?

A2: Exclusive breastfeeding provides numerous benefits for the baby, including:

  • Optimal nutrition: Breast milk provides all the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals for the baby's growth and development.
  • Improved immune system: Breast milk contains antibodies that help protect the baby from infections and diseases.
  • Reduced risk of diseases: Exclusive breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of diseases such as diarrhea, pneumonia, and ear infections.
  • Improved cognitive development: Exclusive breastfeeding has been linked to improved cognitive development and higher IQ scores.

Q3: How long should I breastfeed my baby?

A3: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. After six months, you can start to introduce solid foods, but continue to breastfeed until your baby is at least 12-18 months old.

Q4: What are some common challenges of exclusive breastfeeding?

A4: Some common challenges of exclusive breastfeeding include:

  • Latching difficulties: Difficulty getting the baby to latch on to the breast.
  • Pain: Pain or discomfort during breastfeeding.
  • Engorgement: Overfull breasts that can be painful.
  • Low milk supply: Insufficient milk production.

Q5: How can I overcome common challenges of exclusive breastfeeding?

A5: To overcome common challenges of exclusive breastfeeding, try the following:

  • Get help from a lactation consultant: A lactation consultant can help you with latching difficulties, pain, and engorgement.
  • Use a breast pump: A breast pump can help with low milk supply and engorgement.
  • Take pain relief medication: Over-the-counter pain relief medication can help with pain and discomfort.
  • Seek support from a breastfeeding support group: Joining a breastfeeding support group can provide emotional support and help you connect with other breastfeeding mothers.

Q6: Can I breastfeed if I have a medical condition?

A6: Yes, you can breastfeed if you have a medical condition. However, some medical conditions may require special precautions or treatment. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.

Q7: Can I breastfeed if I am taking medication?

A7: Some medications can pass into breast milk and affect the baby. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the safety of breastfeeding while taking medication.

Q8: How can I store breast milk?

A8: Breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. Use a clean container and label it with the date and time.

Q9: Can I breastfeed if I have a history of breast surgery?

A9: Yes, you can breastfeed if you have a history of breast surgery. However, some types of surgery may affect milk production or nipple function. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.

Q10: How can I get support for exclusive breastfeeding?

A10: You can get support for exclusive breastfeeding from:

  • Lactation consultants: Trained professionals who can help with latching difficulties, pain, and engorgement.
  • Breastfeeding support groups: Joining a breastfeeding support group can provide emotional support and help you connect with other breastfeeding mothers.
  • Online resources: Websites and online forums can provide information and support for exclusive breastfeeding.
  • Healthcare providers: Your healthcare provider can provide guidance and support for exclusive breastfeeding.