Reni Yuli Astutik, Nining Istighosah, Stevani Basuki Putri, Fitria Rahayu

ENHANCING BREASTFEEDING MOTIVATION: THE ROLE OF HUSBANDS’ KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORT AMONG POSTPARTUM MOTHERS

Introduction

Enhancing breastfeeding motivation: the role of husbands’ knowledge and support among postpartum mothers. Explore how husbands' knowledge and support are vital for enhancing breastfeeding motivation in postpartum mothers. Learn key determinants and strategies for successful exclusive breastfeeding.

Abstract

Breastfeeding is a natural process that strengthens the mother–infant bond and requires patience, knowledge, and family support, especially from husbands. This study aimed to examine the relationship between maternal knowledge and husband’s support with the motivation of postpartum mothers in breastfeeding. An analytic design with a cross-sectional approach was used, involving 40 postpartum mothers selected through purposive sampling. Independent variables were maternal knowledge and husband’s support; the dependent variable was breastfeeding motivation. Data collected using questionnaires and analyzed with the chi-square test. The results were that 50% of respondents had good knowledge, 57.5% received husband’s support, and 65% had positive breastfeeding motivation. Chi-Square analysis revealed a significant relationship between maternal knowledge and husband’s support and breastfeeding motivation (p = 0.000 < 0.05). Maternal knowledge and husband’s support are critical determinants of breastfeeding motivation. Strengthening health education and encouraging active husband involvement are recommended strategies to enhance exclusive breastfeeding practices.

Review

This manuscript addresses a highly pertinent topic: the influence of maternal knowledge and husband's support on breastfeeding motivation among postpartum mothers. The study's aim to elucidate these relationships is clearly stated, aligning with global health objectives for improving maternal and infant health outcomes. The use of an analytic design with a cross-sectional approach is appropriate for an initial exploration of these associations, and the application of chi-square analysis to assess relationships between key variables is a sound statistical choice. The abstract effectively outlines the study's purpose, methodology, and primary findings, providing a concise overview for the reader. While the study identifies statistically significant relationships, several methodological limitations warrant consideration. The sample size of 40 postpartum mothers, selected via purposive sampling, is quite small for a quantitative study. This significantly restricts the generalizability of the findings and raises concerns about the external validity of the results, despite the reported strong p-values. A larger, more diverse, and representatively sampled cohort would be crucial for validating these findings and drawing broader conclusions. Furthermore, the cross-sectional design, while useful for identifying associations, inherently prevents the establishment of causal relationships, meaning the study cannot definitively conclude that knowledge and support *cause* increased breastfeeding motivation. Details regarding the specific content and validation of the questionnaires used for measuring "maternal knowledge" and "husband’s support" are also absent and would strengthen the methodology section. Despite these limitations, the study offers valuable initial insights, reinforcing the critical role of both maternal knowledge and husband's active support in fostering breastfeeding motivation. The strong statistical significance observed (p = 0.000) underscores the importance of these factors as determinants. For future research, expanding the sample size and employing a longitudinal design would greatly enhance the robustness and generalizability of the findings, potentially allowing for the exploration of causality over time. Incorporating qualitative methods could also provide richer insights into the specific mechanisms through which husbands' support influences mothers' motivation. The recommendations for strengthening health education and encouraging active husband involvement are well-supported by the findings and offer practical avenues for intervention. Overall, this paper serves as a valuable preliminary exploration into an important public health area, laying groundwork for more extensive future investigations.

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