Mother's Knowledge of Breastfeeding Guidelines During The Covid-19 Pandemic and Successful Breastfeeding

Abstract

The rate of exclusive breastfeeding has decreased in most countries in the world,
including in Indonesia since the start of the covid pandemic because mothers are worried
about the transmission of covid through breast milk. In Indonesia, the government has issued
guidelines for breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic so that the breastfeeding
process continues as usual by observing health protocols. This study aims to analyze the
relationship between mother's knowledge about breastfeeding during the covid 19 pandemic
and the success of breastfeeding in Palangkaraya City. This research is an analytic study with
a cross sectional design. The research was conducted in Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan
in March-April 2021 . The sample of this study were mothers who had babies aged > 1 month
who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Purposive sampling technique used in this study
with a total sample of 97 mothers. Data was collected by using questionnaires and filling
sheets. Data analysis was performed univariate and bivariate using Chi Square test . The
results showed that most of the respondents were aged 20-35 years (93.8%), secondary
education (70.1%), did not work outside the home (83.5%), multipara (77.3%) and did early
initiation of breastfeeding ( 85.6%), some mothers only give breast milk partially (64,9%)
and most of the mothers' knowledge is poor (38.1%). There is a relationship between
mother's knowledge about breastfeeding guidelines during COVID-19 with the success of
breastfeeding in first month after delivery (p=0,00). Socialization about breastfeeding during
the COVID-19 period is needed by health workers, starting during pregnancy for mothers
who are exposed to Covid 19 or not to increases breastfeeding practices.