EMPOWERMENT OF PREGNANT WOMEN IN IMPROVING EARLY INITIATION OF BREASTFEEDING

Breastfeeding is essential for the health and well-being of newborns, and early initiation of breastfeeding
(EIBF) is critical for the continuity of exclusive breastfeeding in the long term. However, only around
40% of babies worldwide receive EIBF, and Indonesia's prevalence is currently at 58.2%, according to
WHO data. To achieve the WHO target of 70% EIBF by 2030, this study aimed to explore the influence
of empowering pregnant women on EIBF. The research used a mixed method approach with a sample
size of 56 pregnant women aged 18 to 49 years, in their third trimester, with normal pregnancies, and
both primi and multigravida. The intervention group received health education, mentoring, EIBF
pocketbooks, and videos, while the control group was given an EIBF pocketbook. Both groups were
given a knowledge questionnaire about EIBF before and after the intervention. Qualitative data was
collected by observation and in-depth interviews, and data were analyzed using the Chi-square test,
Mann-Whitney U test, and thematic analysis. The research found that the prevalence of EIBF in the
study was 57.1%, and the level of good knowledge was 53.6%. The intervention group had a longer
duration of early breastfeeding, 27.19 ± 17.12 minutes, compared to 16.63 ± 16.64 minutes in the control
group (p < 0.05). The study also found that there was an influence of empowerment on the level of EIBF
knowledge (p<0.05), but there was no significant effect on the implementation of EIBF (p>0.05).
Furthermore, the mode of delivery was related to EIBF (p<0.001), and prenatal counseling/education
about EIBF during pregnancy and pre-delivery must continue to be promoted. Finally, EIBF support
during the birthing process must be provided by birth attendants, especially for cesarean section
deliveries.