Frequently Asked Questions about Exclusive Breastfeeding

Oct 13, 2025 by magicalceylontours.com 141 views

The Level of Knowledge of Pregnant Women about Exclusive Breastfeeding at the Adam Malik Hajj Center General Hospital Medan

Introduction

Exclusive breastfeeding is the best food for newborns, and it is highly recommended by health experts. However, in Indonesia, the implementation of exclusive breastfeeding is still less optimal. This indicates that the level of knowledge of pregnant women about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding needs to be improved. Therefore, this research was conducted to determine the level of knowledge of pregnant women about exclusive breastfeeding at the Adam Malik Hajj General Hospital in Medan.

The Importance of Exclusive Breastfeeding

Exclusive breastfeeding is the practice of feeding a baby only breast milk without adding any other food or drink for the first six months of life. This practice has numerous benefits for both the mother and the baby. For the mother, exclusive breastfeeding can help to reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, as well as postpartum bleeding. For the baby, exclusive breastfeeding can help to reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections, diarrhea, and ear infections. It can also help to promote healthy weight gain and development.

Research Purposes

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the extent of the knowledge of pregnant women about exclusive breastfeeding and what factors affect the level of knowledge. This study aims to provide information on the level of knowledge of pregnant women about exclusive breastfeeding, as well as the factors that influence this knowledge.

Research Methods

The type of research used in this study is descriptive with a cross-sectional design. The sample in this study consisted of pregnant women who conducted a pregnancy examination at the Adam Malik Hajj General Hospital in Medan. Sampling was carried out by consecutive sampling with a total sample of 100 people. The data collected includes demographic information and the level of knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding.

Research Result

The results showed that the level of knowledge of pregnant women regarding exclusive breastfeeding is divided into three categories: Good, Enough, and Less. The majority of pregnant women (54%) have a good level of knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding, while 24% have an enough level of knowledge, and 22% have a less level of knowledge.

Further analysis of data shows that:

Age: The majority of pregnant women who have good knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding are aged 25-29 years (17.1%).
Education: Most mothers who have good knowledge are college graduates (75%).
Work: Mothers who do not work (housewife) dominate the category of good knowledge, which is 48.3%.
Experience: Mothers who do not have children also show a good level of knowledge, with a percentage of 61.3%.

Conclusion

Overall, the majority of pregnant women in the General Hospital of Adam Malik Hajj Medan have a good level of knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding. This is a positive indication, but it is still necessary to improve education and further information about exclusive breastfeeding, especially for mothers with a level of knowledge that is still lacking.

Recommendations

Efforts to increase this knowledge can be done through health education and educational programs that are more directed to pregnant women in hospitals and the community. By increasing knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding, it is expected to improve the practice of exclusive breastfeeding in Indonesia for the health and optimal development of infants.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. The sample size is relatively small, and the study was conducted in only one hospital. Therefore, the results may not be generalizable to other hospitals or communities.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on increasing the sample size and conducting the study in multiple hospitals and communities. Additionally, research should be conducted to identify the factors that influence the level of knowledge of pregnant women about exclusive breastfeeding.

Implications for Practice

The results of this study have implications for practice. Health education and educational programs should be more directed to pregnant women in hospitals and the community. Additionally, healthcare providers should provide more information and support to pregnant women about exclusive breastfeeding.

References

World Health Organization. (2018). Exclusive breastfeeding for six months best for babies everywhere.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Breastfeeding: Benefits for Mom and Baby.
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2020). Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk.

Appendix

Demographic information of the sample
Level of knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding
Factors that influence the level of knowledge of pregnant women about exclusive breastfeeding
Frequently Asked Questions about Exclusive Breastfeeding

Q: What is exclusive breastfeeding?

A: Exclusive breastfeeding is the practice of feeding a baby only breast milk without adding any other food or drink for the first six months of life.

Q: Why is exclusive breastfeeding important?

A: Exclusive breastfeeding is important because it provides the baby with the necessary nutrients and antibodies to promote healthy growth and development. It also helps to reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections, diarrhea, and ear infections.

Q: What are the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for the mother?

A: Exclusive breastfeeding can help to reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, as well as postpartum bleeding. It can also help to promote weight loss and improve overall health.

Q: How can I ensure that my baby is getting enough breast milk?

A: You can ensure that your baby is getting enough breast milk by:

Feeding your baby frequently (8-12 times a day)
Burping your baby after each feeding
Monitoring your baby's output (wet diapers and bowel movements)
Keeping track of your baby's weight gain

Q: What if I have trouble breastfeeding?

A: If you have trouble breastfeeding, you can:

Seek help from a lactation consultant or a breastfeeding support group
Practice skin-to-skin contact with your baby
Use a breast pump to express milk
Consider supplementing with formula if necessary

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

A: In most cases, yes. However, it's best to consult with your healthcare provider to determine if breastfeeding is safe for you and your baby.

Q: How long should I breastfeed?

A: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. After six months, you can introduce solid foods and continue to breastfeed until your baby is at least 12 months old.

Q: Can I breastfeed if I'm taking medication?

A: In most cases, yes. However, it's best to consult with your healthcare provider to determine if the medication is safe for you and your baby.

Q: How can I store breast milk?

A: You can store breast milk in the following ways:

In the refrigerator: Store breast milk in a clean container and keep it in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.
In the freezer: Store breast milk in a clean container and keep it in the freezer at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below.
In a breast milk storage bag: Store breast milk in a clean breast milk storage bag and keep it in the refrigerator or freezer.

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

A: In most cases, yes. However, it's best to consult with your healthcare provider to determine if breastfeeding is safe for you and your baby.

Q: How can I know if my baby is getting enough breast milk?

A: You can know if your baby is getting enough breast milk by:

Monitoring your baby's output (wet diapers and bowel movements)
Keeping track of your baby's weight gain
Checking for signs of fullness (e.g., rooting, sucking on the nipple)
Consulting with a lactation consultant or a breastfeeding support group

Q: Can I breastfeed if I'm a working mother?

A: Yes, you can breastfeed if you're a working mother. You can:

Express milk at work and store it in the refrigerator or freezer
Use a breast pump to express milk at home
Consider supplementing with formula if necessary

Q: How can I balance breastfeeding with work and other responsibilities?

A: You can balance breastfeeding with work and other responsibilities by:

Creating a breastfeeding plan with your employer
Expressing milk at work and storing it in the refrigerator or freezer
Using a breast pump to express milk at home
Considering supplementing with formula if necessary

Q: Can I breastfeed if I have a history of breastfeeding difficulties?

A: Yes, you can breastfeed if you have a history of breastfeeding difficulties. You can:

Seek help from a lactation consultant or a breastfeeding support group
Practice skin-to-skin contact with your baby
Use a breast pump to express milk
Consider supplementing with formula if necessary