Breastfeeding Experience During COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia: Strengthening and Weakening Elements

BACKGROUND: Indonesia is severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, particulary in the context of exclusive breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is the safest for babies in disaster situations, and the success of breastfeeding is a social and collective responsibility, as well as also a woman’s decision. The focus of this study is to explore the strengthening and weakening elements of breastfeeding experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This is an exploratory qualitative study design, conducted in Yogyakarta Special Region Province, with nine lactating mothers who participated in the study. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated and thematically analysed. RESULTS: Strengthening elements in breastfeeding mothers during the pandemic were maternal affection to her baby, support system from family and community, and having adaptive coping strategy. The weakening elements were impaired comfort, insufficient milk supply, financial problem, parenting problem and indifferent husband. CONCLUSION: Breastfeeding a baby is appropriate even in a pandemic situation. Thus, to achieve good clinical practices that encourage breastfeeding, the support process should include a subjective and social component, and strengthen the support network of breastfeeding mothers in this COVID-19 pandemic situation. This will help to resolve the barrier in breastfeeding and the babies will receive their rights.