Pemberdayaan Ibu Menyusui Melalui Pendidikan Kesehatan tentang Teknik Menyusui yang Tepat: Program Pengabdian Masyarakat di Puskesmas Gerung, Lombok Barat

Abstract

Background: Proper breastfeeding technique is pivotal for the success of exclusive breastfeeding. However, numerous nursing mothers continue to encounter challenges in achieving optimal positioning and latch-on, often resulting in nipple trauma, ineffective milk transfer, and the premature cessation of exclusive breastfeeding. Consequently, targeted educational interventions are imperative to enhance maternal knowledge and practical skills regarding correct lactation methods.

Objective: This community service program aimed to empower breastfeeding mothers by elevating their health literacy and practical competencies in applying proper breastfeeding techniques at the Gerung Primary Health Center, West Lombok Regency.

Methods: The intervention utilized a participatory approach, combining interactive lectures with hands-on demonstrations. The program involved a total of 30 breastfeeding mothers. The educational modules encompassed the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, correct maternal-infant positioning, optimal latch-on techniques, indicators of effective milk transfer, and the management of common lactation difficulties. Participant knowledge was evaluated using structured pre-test and post-test questionnaires, while psychomotor skills were assessed via direct observation during the demonstration sessions.

Results: The educational intervention yielded a substantial improvement in maternal comprehension. The proportion of mothers demonstrating a "good" level of knowledge surged from 26.7% at baseline to 90.0% post-intervention, with zero participants remaining in the "poor" knowledge category. Furthermore, observational assessments confirmed a marked enhancement in the mothers' practical abilities to establish correct positioning and secure attachment during feeding.

Conclusion: Interactive health education, augmented by practical demonstrations, is highly effective in upgrading both the cognitive knowledge and psychomotor skills of breastfeeding mothers. It is strongly recommended that primary healthcare facilities integrate continuous lactation education and mentoring programs to sustain exclusive breastfeeding practices and optimize maternal-child health outcomes.