THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MATERNAL PSYCHOLOGY, FAMILY, AND CULTURE WITH PERCEPTION OF BREAST MILK INSUFFICIENCY IN BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS OF SUMUR BATU PUBLIC HEALTH CENTER, LAMPUNG INDONESIA

Abstract

This study aims to get an overview of the perception of breast milk insufficiency seen from maternal psychological factors, family factors, and culture factors. Qualitative research used a phenomenological approach using source and method of triangulation techniques. Data were collected by using in-depth interviews with seven main informants of mother and husband or family (perception of breast milk insufficiency) and four key informants, i.e. program holders of Sumur Batu Public Health Center and cadres. Focus Group Discussions (FGD) was conducted with five mothers to collect information about the perception of breast milk insufficiency. The reason for mothers not exclusively breastfeeding was that mothers had felt that their breast milk was low and it had not met the needs of their baby. Psychological factors that affected the mother’s perception of breast milk insufficiency were lack of confidence about the adequacy and content of breast milk. The family had contributions in making decisions about giving nutrition to babies. The habit of giving formula milk had become a culture in the community. Creating innovative programs in educating the public by involving families, doing collaboration across sectors by the establishment of breastfeeding support groups, and the implementation of assertive rules for health workers/agencies that do not promote exclusive breastfeeding.