The Importance of Early Breastfeeding Initiation

Oct 13, 2025 by leolavanderia.com.br 22 views

Introduction

Early breastfeeding initiation (IMD) is a crucial process that allows babies to suckle from their mother's breasts after birth. This process begins by placing the baby in his mother's chest after a clean cloth has been used to clean the baby's body and a blanket has been used to protect the baby's back. The baby is then given the opportunity to find his mother's nipples within one hour after birth. IMD plays a vital role in reducing infant mortality rates, although there are still many mothers who have not carried out the IMD well. At RSUD (Regional General Hospital) Dr. Pirngadi in Medan, about 40% of newborns have undergone IMD.

In this context, the health of the mother and baby is heavily dependent on the role of service quality provided by midwives. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the influence of individual midwife factors and organizational factors on the implementation of early breastfeeding initiation at RSUD Dr. Pirngadi, Medan. This research was conducted by a survey method using the Explanatory approach. The population in this study consisted of 41 midwives on duty in the delivery room and the neonatal room of RSUD Dr. Pirngadi. Data collection was carried out by distributing questionnaires and the results were analyzed using multiple logistics regression analysis.

The Importance of Early Breastfeeding Initiation

Early breastfeeding initiation is a critical process that has numerous benefits for both the mother and the baby. Some of the benefits of IMD include:

Reduced infant mortality rates: IMD has been shown to reduce infant mortality rates by providing the baby with essential nutrients and antibodies that help to protect them from infections.
Improved maternal health: IMD has been shown to improve maternal health by reducing the risk of postpartum hemorrhage and other complications.
Increased bonding between mother and baby: IMD provides an opportunity for the mother and baby to bond and form a strong attachment.
Improved cognitive development: IMD has been shown to improve cognitive development in babies by providing them with essential nutrients and antibodies.

The Role of Midwives in Early Breastfeeding Initiation

Midwives play a crucial role in the implementation of early breastfeeding initiation. They are responsible for providing guidance and support to new mothers to help them initiate breastfeeding. Some of the ways that midwives can support IMD include:

Providing education and guidance: Midwives can provide new mothers with education and guidance on how to initiate breastfeeding.
Supporting the mother and baby: Midwives can provide emotional support to new mothers and help them to overcome any challenges that they may face while initiating breastfeeding.
Providing resources and referrals: Midwives can provide new mothers with resources and referrals to help them access the support and services that they need to initiate breastfeeding.

The Influence of Individual Midwife Factors on Early Breastfeeding Initiation

The study found that individual midwife factors, such as knowledge and skills, had a direct influence on the implementation of IMD. Midwives who had a higher level of knowledge and skills were more likely to implement IMD successfully. This suggests that increasing the knowledge and skills of midwives is a key factor in improving the practice of IMD in hospitals.

The Influence of Organizational Factors on Early Breastfeeding Initiation

The study also found that organizational factors, such as hospital policies and procedures, had an indirect influence on the implementation of IMD. Hospitals that had policies and procedures in place to support IMD were more likely to have midwives who implemented IMD successfully. This suggests that hospitals need to develop policies and procedures that support IMD in order to improve the practice of IMD.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study found that individual midwife factors, such as knowledge and skills, and organizational factors, such as hospital policies and procedures, had a significant influence on the implementation of early breastfeeding initiation at RSUD Dr. Pirngadi, Medan. The study suggests that increasing the knowledge and skills of midwives and developing policies and procedures that support IMD are key factors in improving the practice of IMD in hospitals.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations are made:

Increase the knowledge and skills of midwives: Hospitals should provide midwives with relevant training and education to increase their knowledge and skills in implementing IMD.
Develop policies and procedures that support IMD: Hospitals should develop policies and procedures that support IMD, such as providing resources and referrals to new mothers.
Increase awareness of the importance of IMD: Hospitals should increase awareness of the importance of IMD among medical personnel and the community to promote the practice of IMD.

By implementing these recommendations, hospitals can improve the practice of IMD and provide better care to new mothers and babies.

Q: What is early breastfeeding initiation (IMD)?

A: Early breastfeeding initiation (IMD) is a process that allows babies to suckle from their mother's breasts after birth. This process begins by placing the baby in his mother's chest after a clean cloth has been used to clean the baby's body and a blanket has been used to protect the baby's back. The baby is then given the opportunity to find his mother's nipples within one hour after birth.

Q: Why is early breastfeeding initiation important?

A: Early breastfeeding initiation is important because it plays a vital role in reducing infant mortality rates. It also has numerous benefits for both the mother and the baby, including improved maternal health, increased bonding between mother and baby, and improved cognitive development in babies.

Q: What is the role of midwives in early breastfeeding initiation?

A: Midwives play a crucial role in the implementation of early breastfeeding initiation. They are responsible for providing guidance and support to new mothers to help them initiate breastfeeding. This includes providing education and guidance, supporting the mother and baby, and providing resources and referrals.

Q: What are the individual midwife factors that influence early breastfeeding initiation?

A: The study found that individual midwife factors, such as knowledge and skills, had a direct influence on the implementation of IMD. Midwives who had a higher level of knowledge and skills were more likely to implement IMD successfully.

Q: What are the organizational factors that influence early breastfeeding initiation?

A: The study also found that organizational factors, such as hospital policies and procedures, had an indirect influence on the implementation of IMD. Hospitals that had policies and procedures in place to support IMD were more likely to have midwives who implemented IMD successfully.

Q: What are the recommendations for improving the practice of early breastfeeding initiation?

A: Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations are made:

Increase the knowledge and skills of midwives: Hospitals should provide midwives with relevant training and education to increase their knowledge and skills in implementing IMD.
Develop policies and procedures that support IMD: Hospitals should develop policies and procedures that support IMD, such as providing resources and referrals to new mothers.
Increase awareness of the importance of IMD: Hospitals should increase awareness of the importance of IMD among medical personnel and the community to promote the practice of IMD.

Q: How can hospitals improve the practice of early breastfeeding initiation?

A: Hospitals can improve the practice of early breastfeeding initiation by implementing the recommendations outlined above. This includes increasing the knowledge and skills of midwives, developing policies and procedures that support IMD, and increasing awareness of the importance of IMD among medical personnel and the community.

Q: What are the benefits of early breastfeeding initiation for mothers and babies?

A: The benefits of early breastfeeding initiation for mothers and babies include improved maternal health, increased bonding between mother and baby, and improved cognitive development in babies. It also plays a vital role in reducing infant mortality rates.

Q: How can new mothers support early breastfeeding initiation?

A: New mothers can support early breastfeeding initiation by:

Seeking guidance and support from midwives: New mothers should seek guidance and support from midwives to help them initiate breastfeeding.
Following hospital policies and procedures: New mothers should follow hospital policies and procedures that support IMD.
Increasing awareness of the importance of IMD: New mothers should increase awareness of the importance of IMD among their friends and family to promote the practice of IMD.

By implementing these recommendations and supporting early breastfeeding initiation, hospitals and new mothers can improve the health and well-being of mothers and babies.