Inhibitor Factors of Early Initiation of Breastfeeding among Mothers in Rural District Bone, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

Early initial breastfeeding is a new method of breastfeeding by letting babies find their mother's breast by themselves soon after delivery. Early initial breastfeeding at the first hour is believed to increase the success of exclusive breastfeeding. But the practice of this method in Indonesia is still low, even after having support by policy. This research is trying to find out the potential factor obstructed the implementation of early initial breastfeeding. Cross sectional study was done in local government clinic located in South Sulawesi during February to August 2008 which consists of 248 mothers and 5 informants by combining quantitative and qualitative method. Lacking of knowledge, education level and support from their family and midwife but mother's knowledge is the most influenced factor obstructed the implementation of early initial breastfeeding. Some specific factors also found in study mentioned that mothers are tired, shy, has lack of knowledge and midwife less professionalism skill, communication strategy, individual motivation, self confidence and no policy about this from local government clinic. The promotion of early initial breastfeeding need to be improved for midwives so that they can understand the benefits of early initial breastfeeding and implement this for every delivery.