Abstract
Exclusive breastfeeding practice (EBP) has a main role in growth and development of infant. Research show that EBP in the first month of life influenced by many factors. Therefore, this study aimed to identified factors that related to EBP of infants in the first month of life. A cross sectional study was conducted on 35 breastfeeding mothers in Kedungmundu Sub-district, Semarang, Central Java Province, Indonesia. Mother’s general characteristic and prelacteal feeding were collected by structured questionnaires. Moreover, anthropometric measurements such as mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC), height, body weight, and body fat percentage were also collected. Data analysis used Chi-square, Fisher Exact, Mann-whitney, and Logistic Regression Test. The results showed that all of infants were born in normal birth weight. MUAC, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, and median parity of mothers were 26 cm, 23.2 kg/m2, 29.6% and 2 children, respectively. This study also found that mothers who breastfeed their babies exclusively in the first month of life were only 44%, and gender was significantly related to EBP (p=0.026). 65% non EBP mothers have a male infant which is they need large amount of breast milk than female. In conclusion, gender effect on the availability of breast milk on breastfeeding mothers.
Highlights
Exclusive breastfeeding practice is recommended for infants aged 0 to 6 months by giving only breast milk without additional food or drink, except medicine and vitamin recommended by doctor [1]
Mother's education level was classified into 2 categories, i.e. lowmoderate and high
A study in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, showed that the most influential factor in mother's decision to give breast milk exclusively was the support of health workers
Summary
Exclusive breastfeeding practice is recommended for infants aged 0 to 6 months by giving only breast milk without additional food or drink, except medicine and vitamin recommended by doctor [1]. Percentage of exclusive breastfeeding practices both globally and nationally still cannot reach optimal target. Research in both developed and developing countries show various factors that influence the practice, such as socialeconomic conditions, maternal education level, maternal age, parity, mode of birthing, maternal employment status, media exposure and support from family, professional health, social networks and policies, supporting facilities, whether at work or in public facilities [4].
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