Indonesian Mothers Research Articles

Breastfeeding and breastmilk substitute use and feeding motivations among mothers in Bandung City, Indonesia.

Suboptimal breastfeeding is common in Indonesia, with only half of infants 0–5 months of age exclusively breastfed and feeding of breastmilk substitutes (BMS) highly prevalent among infants and toddlers. Various factors influence these feeding practices, including social norms, limited health system support and BMS manufacturer marketing practices. This cross‐sectional survey aimed to identify the prevalence of breastfeeding and BMS feeding among children aged 0–35 months, explore socio‐demographic characteristics and motivating factors associated with these feeding behaviours and identify the prevalence of mothers' exposure to BMS promotions. Indonesian mothers of children <3 years of age (n = 595) were interviewed in Bandung City health facilities using structured questionnaires. Although all children were ever breastfed, half of children across all age groups received BMS in the previous day. Maternal employment outside the home and insufficient breastmilk production were associated with BMS use. The most important motivational factors for feeding BMS were perceived benefits for growth, intelligence and immunity. Despite Indonesian legislation restricting some BMS marketing, 93% of mothers reported observing a BMS promotion outside the health system, with television, social media and newspapers as the most common sources. Half of mothers (43%) reported observing a BMS promotion within the health system, and half (46%) reported receiving recommendations from health workers to use BMS. Such high prevalence of BMS marketing may be influencing caregivers' feeding choices; stronger national legislation and implementation of laws are needed to ensure mothers' ability to make feeding choices free from manufacturer influence.

Home education for children with autism spectrum disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic: Indonesian mothers experience

This study aimed to explore the experiences of mothers and efforts in implementing home education for children with autism, during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. Five mothers were recruited as participants and interviewed online, as the data obtained were examined through the use of thematic analysis. Also, three main themes were shown, (1) Mothers' experience in implementing home education, as regards adaptability and burden of caregiving, (2) The constraints in home education implementation, as regards maladaptive behaviours of ASD and emerging negative emotions, (3) The efforts to alleviate barriers, as regards problem-focused and religious copings. Also, the implementation of home education during the pandemic was less than optimal, due to the increase in maladaptive behaviours of the autistic children, low adaptability, the burden of caregiving, and emerging negative emotions. Appropriate coping strategies were also observed to help mothers in alleviating the constraints to implementing home education and parenting stress.

Indonesian mothers' beliefs on caring practices at home for preterm babies after hospital discharge: A qualitative study.

Premature birth may be associated with infant health problems and frequently requires in-hospital and then at-home specialized care. Studies investigating home-caring experiences of mothers of preterm infants in developing countries are limited. This study was to explore preterm mothers' experiences of caring practices at home 1 month after their infant's discharge from a neonatal unit. A descriptive qualitative study using in-depth interviews with eight purposively sampled mothers who had been discharged home from neonatal unit in one city in Indonesia. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Three main themes emerged: (1) transition to independent motherhood, (2) focus on care of infant after discharge, and (3) barriers and enablers for care. The mothers managed their infant care at home by focusing on feeding and managing infant health problems. They faced on myth and culture as one of the barriers. Comprehensive discharge education for mothers of preterm infants and their families is required to enhance mothers' caring abilities and overcome barriers is sufficient. Nurses/midwives need to improve care related to the well-being of mothers and their infants in preparation for, and after, discharge from the neonatal unit.

Smartphone mothering and mediated family display: Transnational family practices in a polymedia environment among Indonesian mothers in Hong Kong

Steady demand for migrant domestic workers from developing countries continues to normalize an intriguing form of geographically dispersed families from which the mothers migrate and become the breadwinners. Despite the distance, migrant mothers remain committed to the preservation of intimacy by utilizing communication media to perform and “display” family practices. Using polymedia and displaying family as theoretical frameworks, this ethnographic study examines how smartphones shape family practices among migrant mothers. Through participant observation and in-depth interviews with 30 Indonesian mothers in Hong Kong, it illustrates how smartphones transform the configuration of mothering practices and power structures underpinning family interaction in the process of mediated family display. Smartphones, as polymedia, enable migrant mothers to assert authority over the display of maternal roles, relationships, and rituals, both materially and discursively. Given that their relationships are experienced almost exclusively via smartphone communication, directing the communication effectively means defining the shape and characteristics of the family. The findings problematize the depiction of migrant mothers as victims of communication technologies, highlighting their authorial privilege when displaying family. This article also presents a critical reflection on mediated family practices by illustrating cases of failed display.

The Esoteric Meaning of Culture and Language in Deciding Citizenship of Mixed Nationalities Marriage Children

Every child has the right to have equal opportunity to grow in a safe environment, including the right of the child to acquire a balanced education about the culture of parents when both have different nationalities. This education must follow a certain period of time, and in conditions that are conducive so that children with Indonesian mothers and foreign citizen father acquire a cognitive balance, so they are able to determine the choice of citizenship when they are of legal age. This understanding will make children have a basis for adjusting to social and community norms, making it easier for them to choose which one is most comfortable for themselves in choosing their nationality when they enter adulthood Keywords: children, different nationalities, language, culture DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/106-03 Publication date: February 28 th 2021

The moderating effect of types of child’s neurodevelopmental disorder on the relationship between Indonesian mothers’ perception of child’s maladaptive behaviour and maternal parenting stress

This study aimed to examine the effect of mother’s perception of child’s maladaptive behaviour and types of child’s neurodevelopment disorder on maternal parenting stress, and examine the role of types of child’s neurodevelopmental disorder in moderating the relationship between mother’ perception of child’s maladaptive behaviours and maternal parenting stress. The mother’ perception of child’s maladaptive behaviours tested included internalizing and externalizing maladaptive behaviours, while the types of child’s neurodevelopmental disorder included intellectual disability (ID), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A total of 163 mothers of children with different types of neurodevelopmental disorders were included in this study. The data were analysed with regression analysis, t-test, and ANOVA. The results showed that 1) there is an influence of the mother’s perception of child’s maladaptive behaviours and types of neurodevelopmental disorders on parenting stress; 2) types of child neurodevelopmental disorders moderate the relationship between the mother’s perception of child’s maladaptive behaviour and maternal parenting stress; 3) mothers of children with ASD experience higher levels parenting stress than mothers of children with ADHD and ID.

Socio-demographic Determinants of Indonesian Mothers’ Psychological Distress during COVID-19 Pandemic

The Indonesian government imposed a large-scale social restriction policy to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This policy affected the community, including mothers, and may have caused psychological strain on them. This study aimed to (i) establish a dataset on the psychological distress reported by mothers in Indonesia and (ii) identify demographic factors and pandemic-related characteristics that determine psychological distress. An online survey was administered from April 20 to April 25, 2020, and 1534 surveys were submitted. Bivariate and multivariate regression models were constructed to examine the associations between sociodemographic variables, depression, anxiety, and stress. The results demonstrated that the level of the psychological distress domain scores was relatively low; additionally, stress was reported the most, followed by anxiety and depression. The number of children and being informed of a neighbor who tested positive were correlated with depression symptoms. The mother's age and being notified of a neighbor who tested positive correlated with anxiety symptoms. The length of the marriage and being notified of a neighbor who tested positive correlated with stress symptoms. These data help identify persons at greater risk of suffering from psychological distress and provide a baseline for further research and interventions targeting the mothers' psychological distress.

Comparison of Weidht Gain in Injectable Contraceptive 1-Month And 3-Month Acceptors at The Independent Midwife Practice Tambaksari Surabaya

Introduction: Injectable contraception is the most widely used type of contraception by Indonesian mothers because of its effective way of working, practical use, and lower price. However, in the use of injectable contraception, there are side effects, one of which is weight gain. Objective: To find out the differences in weight gain for 1-month and 3-months of injecting contraceptive acceptors. Method: This was an analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design. This research was conducted at the Independent Practice Midwife of Sri Retnaningtyas, Tambaksari District, Surabaya. The total sample is 110 respondents with a consecutive sampling technique. Data collection using medical records and statistical tests using independent sample t-test. Results: Analyzing the weight gain in the contraceptive injection acceptor that is the average injection of 1-month experienced of 2.16 kilograms and injections of 3-months experienced of 2.95 kilograms. The results of the independent t-test with a significance value of 0.039 (p &lt;0.05). Conclusion: There was a significant difference in weight gain between 1-month and 3-months injective contraception acceptors, with the highest increase occurred in 3-months, injective contraceptive acceptors.

Association of maternal diet, micronutrient status, and milk volume with milk micronutrient concentrations in Indonesian mothers at 2 and 5 months postpartum

ABSTRACTBackgroundMaternal micronutrient deficits during preconception and pregnancy may persist during lactation and compromise human milk composition.ObjectiveWe measured micronutrient concentrations in human milk and investigated their association with maternal micronutrient intakes, status, and milk volume.MethodsInfant milk intake (measured via a deuterium dose-to-mother technique), milk micronutrient and fat concentrations, and maternal micronutrient intakes were assessed at 2 and 5 mo postpartum in 212 Indonesian lactating mother–infant pairs. Maternal hemoglobin, ferritin, transferrin receptors, retinol binding protein (RBP), zinc, selenium, and vitamin B-12 were measured at 5 mo (n = 163). Multivariate or mixed effects regression examined associations of milk micronutrient concentrations with maternal micronutrient intakes, status, and milk volume.ResultsPrevalence of anemia (15%), and iron (15% based on body iron), selenium (2.5%), and vitamin B-12 deficiency (0%) were low compared with deficiencies of zinc (60%) and vitamin A (34%). The prevalence of inadequate intakes was >50% for 7 micronutrients at 2 and 5 mo. Median milk concentrations for most micronutrients were below reference values, and nearly all declined between 2 and 5 mo postpartum and were not associated substantially with milk volume (except for β-carotene, α-carotene, and β-cryptoxanthin). At 5 mo postpartum, associations between maternal micronutrient status and corresponding milk concentrations reported as mean percentage difference in human milk concentration for each unit higher maternal biomarker were significant for hemoglobin (1.9%), iron biomarkers (ranging from 0.4 to 7%), RBP (35%), selenium (70%), and vitamin B-12 (0.1%), yet for maternal intakes only a positive association with β-carotene existed.ConclusionsMost milk micronutrient concentrations declined during lactation, independent of changes in human milk production, and few were associated with maternal micronutrient intakes. The significant associations between maternal biomarkers and milk micronutrient concentrations at 5 mo warrant further study to investigate whether the declines in milk micronutrients are linked to shifts in maternal status.

Using technology to access health information: greater WASH knowledge/behaviors in Indonesian mothers

Abstract Background Despite attention, childhood stunting in Indonesia persists. Proper WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) practices help lower childhood stunting. As internet access in Indonesia grows, seeking health information online is increasing. However, research on using technology to increase WASH knowledge and behaviors in Indonesia is limited. The purpose of this study is to assess whether Indonesian women using technology to access health information have higher WASH knowledge and behaviors. Methods 1,740 mothers with children under the age of two were randomly selected with three-stage cluster sampling. They were surveyed and interviewed about handwashing and sanitary defecation benefits, steps, and practices. Adjusted and unadjusted logistic and linear regression models were used to compare WASH outcomes between those who used technology to access health information and the control group. The models controlled for mother's age, mother's education, and total household income. Results Participants who used technology to access health information were more likely to know the benefits (OR = 2.603; CI = 1.666-4.067) and five critical times (OR = 1.217; CI=.969-1.528) of proper handwashing. Mothers were more likely to know the risks of open defecation (OR = 1.627; CI = 1.170-2.264) and understand disease transmission from stool (OR = 1.894; CI = 1.438-2.495). Those using technology to access health information were more likely to report using a gooseneck, squat toilet, septic tank, or closed ground to discard feces than the control group (OR = 3.858; CI = 2.628-5.665). Conclusions Using technology to access health information was associated with increased handwashing and defecation knowledge and safe elimination of feces. It was not associated with an increase in handwashing with soap. Technology can be used to increase WASH knowledge and behavior, but further research is needed to effectively use technology to increase optimal handwashing behaviors. Key messages Increasing technology access may encourage good water, sanitation and hygiene behavior change. Using technology to access health information yielded safer defecation practices but not better handwashing practices. Further research is needed.

Demographic and Psychosocial Correlates of Exclusive Breastfeeding Duration in Indonesia

Abstract Objectives In Indonesia, exclusive breastfeeding practices are followed by only 46% of mothers, resulting in USD $118 million in health costs annually [2, 3]. Though previous studies have addressed demographic factors related to breastfeeding [5, 6], few studies have examined the relationship between exclusive breastfeeding duration and mother's psychosocial characteristics [5, 6, 7, 8]. Our study used the Indonesian Family Life Survey 5th Wave survey (IFLS5) from 2014–2015 to evaluate if demographic and psychosocial factors are associated with exclusive breastfeeding duration among Indonesian mothers [7, 8]. Methods Our study included mothers (n = 3024) with children &amp;lt;8 years of age. We stratified breastfeeding duration (0, 1–3, 4–6 and &amp;gt;6 months) according to WHO standards [1]. We described individual mother's characteristics including age, education level, socioeconomic status, and psychosocial factors by these breastfeeding categories. We developed binary breastfeeding duration variables by those never breastfeeding or breastfeeding ≤4 months to perform binary logistic regression models. Finally, we examined differences between categories of breastfeeding duration using multinomial logistic models. Results Mothers with primary and secondary education had lower odds of having breastfed exclusively for ≤4 months (OR 0.43 [0.30, 0.60] and 0.64 [0.46, 0.89]), respectively, compared to mothers with higher education. Mothers with primary education were also 2.21 [1.05, 4.50] times as likely to have never breastfed relative to breastfeeding exclusively for 4–6 months compared to highly-educated mothers. Compared to younger mothers (30–39 years), older mothers (40 + years) had a greater likelihood of never exclusively breastfeeding, relative to exclusively breastfeeding for 4–6 months (RR 3.28 [1.80, 5.96]). Finally, mothers who had lower perceived life-satisfaction had a lower likelihood (RR 0.60 [0.45, 0.77]) of exclusively breastfeeding &amp;gt;6 months compared to mothers with very high satisfaction. Conclusions Our results can help to inform policy makers about disparities in exclusive breastfeeding practices to better tailor services to underserved mothers within Indonesia. Funding Sources NSF IRES US-Indonesian Research Experience #182,693.

Indonesian children fecal microbiome from birth until weaning was different from microbiomes of their mothers

ABSTRACT Gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota play an important role in human health and wellbeing and the first wave of gut microbes arrives mostly through vertical transmission from mother to child. This study has undertaken to understand the microbiota profile of healthy Southeast Asian mother-infant pairs. Here, we examined the fecal, vaginal and breast milk microbiota of Indonesian mothers and the fecal microbiota of their children from less than 1 month to 48 months old. To determine the immune status of children and the effect of diet at different ages, we examined the level of cytokines, bile acids in the fecal water and weaning food frequency. The fecal microbiota of the children before weaning contained mainly Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium, which presented at low abundance in the samples of mothers. After weaning, the fecal microbiome of children was mainly of the Prevotella type, with decreasing levels of Bifidobacterium, thus becoming more like the fecal microbiome of the mother. The abundance of infant fecal commensals generally correlated inversely with potential pathogens before weaning. The fecal Bifidobacterium in children correlated inversely with the consumption of complex carbohydrates and fruits after weaning. The specific cytokines related to the proliferation and maturation of immunity were found to increase after weaning. A decreasing level of primary bile acids and an increase of secondary bile acids were observed after weaning. This study highlights the change in the GI microbiota of infants to adult-type microbiota after weaning and identifies diet as a major contributing factor.

A National Communication Campaign in Indonesia Is Associated with Improved WASH-Related Knowledge and Behaviors in Indonesian Mothers.

Background: Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) behaviors play a significant role in stunting. Knowledge and behaviors regarding WASH among caregivers are critical to providing children with chances to survive and thrive. The purpose of this study is to determine if exposure to a national communication campaign using media and interpersonal communication (IPC) is associated with WASH-related knowledge and behaviors among Indonesian mothers with children under the age of two. Methods: Data came from a cross-sectional survey of 1734 mothers with children under the age of two. The measures included exposure to two different interventions: media messages (media) and interpersonal communication strategies (IPC) and WASH-related knowledge and behavior. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the association between intervention exposure and study variables. Results: Exposure to both media and IPC interventions was associated with participants having a higher knowledge of appropriate defecation practices (p < 0.001), higher knowledge of proper handwashing practices (p < 0.001), and higher self-reported handwashing at critical times (p < 0.001) but was not associated with reported practicing of appropriate defecation (OR = 0.780, 95% CI: 0.566–1.101). Mothers exposed to only media interventions were more likely to have knowledge of appropriate defecation practices (p < 0.001) and to have reported practicing appropriate defecation behaviors (OR = 1.539, 95% CI: 1.173–2.019). Mothers exposed to only IPC interventions were more likely to have reported handwashing at critical times (p = 0.009). Conclusions: Exposure to both media and IPC interventions was associated with increased knowledge and optimal behaviors related to WASH. These findings demonstrate the value of communications campaigns that use mass media coupled with IPC to improve WASH knowledge and behavior.

The ergonomics of mothering and child care activities (ErgoMOMics) in Indonesia: Individual and social factors influencing musculoskeletal symptoms.

Mothering and caring for children have been associated with a decrease in mothers' wellbeing. Limited research has been conducted from the ergonomics perspective of mothering and caring for children due to the belief that being a mother is not considered an occupation. To observe the ergonomics of mothering and caring for children (ergoMOMics) among Indonesian mothers and the prevalence of related musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS). Five hundred and twenty-five Indonesian mothers. The prevalence of MSS was assessed using Nordic Body Map questionnaire. An adapted questionnaire on mothering and child care activities and their consequences were also used. Most Indonesian mothers reported some negative consequences of mothering and child care activities, including MSS in the back (50%), neck (26%), and upper shoulder (43%). Demographic data that significantly influences MSS includes the domicile category and help from others. Mothers in large cities reported higher MSS than those residing in small- to medium-sized cities (t (523) = 7.43, ρ< 0.01). The help of family members (commonly children's grandparents) significantly increased reported MSS (F(2, 524) = 3.57, ρ= 0.02). A specific child care activity that influences MSS is the lifting for children. Mothering and child care are very demanding activities that can result in MSS. Therefore, steps must be taken to prevent and overcome these symptoms.

THE INDONESIAN IBUISM IDEOLOGY AND GENDER PORTRAYAL: THE CASE OF THE 2015 RINSO ANTI-NODA TV COMMERCIAL

In order to efficiently reach its targeted market, advertisers often package their messages in a manner so as to be easily understood. These massages often contain subliminal meanings using stereotypes. Based on Erving Goffman’s work on gendered advertisement, this research analyzes the Rinso Anti Noda television commercial. Therefore, this research seeks to answer the following question: How is gender represented in the 2015 Rinso Anti Noda television commercial titled “Belajar Untuk Makan Sendiri” (Learning to eat by oneself)?. Based on the first author’s research thesis under the supervision of the second author, involving a semiotic analysis on the Rinso Anti Noda TV commercial, complemented by In-depth interviews with a number of Indonesian mothers, data were then analyzed using the Goffman’s gendered advertisement and Indonesia’s Ibuism ideology perspectives. Results show that the role of a women in the advertising is as a mother and her place is in the domestic realm.

Analysis of Rural Indonesian Mothers’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs Regarding Stunting

Background: Stunting affects 36% of children in Indonesia. While the biological causes and physiological effects of stunting are well documented, research on the determinants of caregiver understanding of stunting is limited. Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore factors associated with rural Indonesian mothers’ attitudes, knowledge, and beliefs regarding stunting. These findings can support the efforts of policymakers and program planners in Indonesia to reduce the prevalence of stunting. Methods: Researchers conducted 1-hour, in-home interviews with 2100 mothers of children 6-23 months of age throughout five rural regions in Indonesia. These regions were selected because of the high prevalence of stunting, representativeness, and accessibility. The interviews assessed socio-economic and educational level, feeding practices, nutritional and stunting knowledge, sources of nutrition and stunting knowledge, and acute child health status. Regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with respondent attitudes, knowledge, and beliefs toward stunting. Results: A negative relationship was found between having received information about stunting more than six months prior and knowledge of stunting (ẞ=-0.24, P=0.001). Having never received information on child nutrition was negatively associated with stunting beliefs (ẞ=0.20, P<0.0001). Although there was no significant difference in amount of knowledge between those who had received their knowledge about stunting from a professional versus the internet, having primarily received information from a neighbor/friend, was negatively associated with knowledge of stunting (ẞ=-0.20, P=0.007). This finding was the same for stunting beliefs (ẞ=-0.40, P<0.0001). Conclusion: Caregiver knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs toward stunting can be significantly impacted by their exposure to both accurate and inaccurate information. From this research, initiatives aimed at reducing stunting in Indonesian children should consider ways to integrate new education systems that increase the range of exposure and incorporate use of the social network in order to impact health behavior change.

Maternal Knowledge of Stunting in Rural Indonesia

Child undernutrition and stunting remain serious public health problems in Indonesia. According to the Health Belief Model, increasing mothers’ knowledge of stunting is fundamental to establishing accurate threat perceptions predictive of behavior change. The purpose of this study was to increase understanding of factors related to maternal knowledge of stunting in Indonesia by addressing three questions: 1) How familiar with stunting are Indonesian mothers? 2) What antecedent factors do Indonesian mothers associate with stunting? and 3) What health effects do Indonesian mothers associate with stunting? A total of 3,150 mothers participated in structured face-to-face interviews. Study measures targeted four main variables. Mothers were asked: 1) Have you heard of stunting?; 2) Have you heard of shortness?; 3) What causes stunting/shortness?; and 4) What are the effects of stunting? Only 66 (2.1%) mothers reported having heard of, read about, or knew something about stunting. Approximately two-thirds of participants attributed stunting to hereditary factors. Interrupted growth (33.7%), idiocy (13.8%), and easy to get sick (11.8%) were identified as health effects of stunting. Results highlight the need for health promotion and education efforts focused on increasing basic knowledge of stunting, its causes, and its health effects among Indonesian mothers

Happiness from the perspective of mother and children: Indonesian setting

ABSTRACTThis study aims to evaluate whether mothers and their children have the same perspective on the children’s happiness. It enriched studies gap concerning agreement on perspective about young children happiness. Some studies showed agreement, the others showed disagreement. In total 777 children and 367 mothers were involved in this study. This study used face scale test for children to address their happiness. This study required mothers to recognize face scales and give ratings as to what the level of their children’s happiness was. The Spearman rho analysis was revealed that Indonesian mothers and children have discrepancies on happiness (r = 0.091; p = .080). In view of gender difference, agreement was found between mothers and sons (r = 0.195; p = .009), but not on daughters. It is needed to develop parenting program to educate mothers on how build better communication particularly with daughters.

Factors affecting exclusive breastfeeding in term infants

Background Exclusive breastfeeding by healthy mothers to their healthy, term babies who underwent vaginal birth, should be readily accomplished. However, exclusive breastfeeding by Indonesian mothers has declined.Objective To assess the monthly success rate prevalences for exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, as well as factors that affect exclusive breastfeeding.Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted in 243 healthy mothers with healthy term babies who underwent normal births at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (CMH), Jakarta, Indonesia. Guided interviews were conducted monthly for six months. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed on the factors potentially affecting breastfeeding with equal subject numbers.Results Exclusive breastfeeding prevalences were 64.8% (first month), 53.7% (second month), 43% (third month), 30.7% (fourth month), 23.5% (fifth month), and 22.3% (sixth month). Multivariate analysis revealed that the mother’s confidence in breast milk production, as well as husband or family support, affected the success of exclusive breastfeeding for each month. Maternal not working/studying outside the home affected the success of exclusive breastfeeding in the third (RR 3.38; 95%CI 1.21 to 9.43) and fourth months (RR 6.56; 95%CI 1.39 to 30.99).Conclusion Exclusive breastfeeding prevalences in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital decrease in a monthly fashion up to the sixth month. Several factors affecte the success rate for each month in the six month period, including maternal confidence in breast milk production and family support.

Factors affecting exclusive breastfeeding in term infants

Background Exclusive breastfeeding by healthy mothers to their healthy, term babies who underwent vaginal birth, should be readily accomplished. However, exclusive breastfeeding by Indonesian mothers has declined.Objective To assess the monthly success rate prevalences for exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, as well as factors that affect exclusive breastfeeding.Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted in 243 healthy mothers with healthy term babies who underwent normal births at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (CMH), Jakarta, Indonesia. Guided interviews were conducted monthly for six months. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed on the factors potentially affecting breastfeeding with equal subject numbers.Results Exclusive breastfeeding prevalences were 64.8% (first month), 53.7% (second month), 43% (third month), 30.7% (fourth month), 23.5% (fifth month), and 22.3% (sixth month). Multivariate analysis revealed that the mother’s confidence in breast milk production, as well as husband or family support, affected the success of exclusive breastfeeding for each month. Maternal not working/studying outside the home affected the success of exclusive breastfeeding in the third (RR 3.38; 95%CI 1.21 to 9.43) and fourth months (RR 6.56; 95%CI 1.39 to 30.99).Conclusion Exclusive breastfeeding prevalences in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital decrease in a monthly fashion up to the sixth month. Several factors affecte the success rate for each month in the six month period, including maternal confidence in breast milk production and family support.