JAKARTA - World Breastfeeding Week which is celebrated every August 1 7 is an important momentum to increase public awareness about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of baby life.
One aspect that is often not considered is the role of breastfeeding mothers' nutrition in determining the quality and quantity of breast milk provided. Insufficient daily nutritional intake can affect the nutritional content of breast milk, which has a direct impact on the baby's growth and development.
In the context of this commemoration, a national survey conducted by Prenagen in July 2025 on 672 pregnant women showed that although 91 percent of respondents stated that they were ready to breastfeed, only 39 percent understood the importance of providing exclusive breast milk for six months as recommended by WHO and the Indonesian Ministry of Health. This fact shows that education about breastfeeding and breastfeeding mothers' nutrition still needs to be strengthened.
According to dr. Dewi Virdianti P., Health Communicationator Kalbe Nutritionals, lack of nutritional intake in breastfeeding mothers can interfere with the quality of breast milk and affect mother's health as a whole.
"During breastfeeding, the need for nutrients increases significantly. Nutritions such as protein, calcium, vitamin B complex, and DHA are very important not only for babies, but also for maintaining the mother's physical and mental condition. Therefore, formulated intake is needed according to the needs of breastfeeding mothers," said dr. Dewi Virdianti P., Health Commissioner of Kalbe Nutritionals in a statement to VOI.
He also added that many breastfeeding mothers do not understand that the quality of breast milk is not just a matter of appearance, but what is contained in it.
"What the mother consumes will be absorbed and channeled through breast milk. Therefore, healthy and balanced food is the main factor determining the adequacy of nutrients for the baby," explained dr. Dewi.
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Breast milk is the main food for babies in the early days of life, which provides natural antibodies and supports brain development and the immune system. However, factors such as stress, lack of rest, and unbalanced diets can hinder the smooth production of breast milk.
Therefore, nutrition education for breastfeeding mothers is an important part of the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week campaign. In addition to targeting pregnant and lactating women, this education also emphasizes the importance of the role of families and the surrounding environment as supporting systems.
"We want to strengthen the message that every woman has the potential to become a tough mother, as long as they get the right information, support, and access," said Junita, Business Group Manager OF PRENAGEN.
In this case, World Breastfeeding Week is not only an annual ceremonial, but rather a call to build collective awareness of the importance of the mother's role in the first 1,000 Days of Life (HPK) for children. Through fulfilling the right nutrition and adequate support, exclusive breastfeeding can be a strong foundation for the growth and development of future healthy generations.
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