Impact of the covid 19 pandemic on the process of exclusive breastfeeding

Abstract

COVID 19 is a period pandemic in various countries. The health impacts during pandemic are all age groups including pregnant woman, mothers giving birth, and newborns. Breastfeeding during pandemic requires special attention because of the short term and log term health implications. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of the pandemic COVID 19 on the success of exclusive breastfeeding. The research design was qualitative with in-depth interview data collection methods on 7 participants. The sample was selected according to the inclusion criteria, namely mothers who gave birth during pandemic and when data were collected on children aged 6-12 months old. Researchers as the main instrument in the study and interview guides as a reference for questions. The results of the interviews will be written in the form of transcripts and then analyzed using thematic analysis methods to obtain research themes. From the results of data analysis obtained 3 research themes. The first theme is early breasfeeding initiation, the second is the problems faced after delivery, and the third is the practice of exclusive breasfeeding. These results indicate that mothers need to get education and support related to breastfeeding. Health workers can facilitate the practice early breasfeeding initiation, assist mothers in solving breastfeeding problems and provide aducation regarding breastfeeding self efficacy.