The Effect of Exclusive Breastfeeding on Linear Growth of Stunted Birth Length Infants in Bandar Lampung

Exclusive breastfeeding is the only appropriate food for infant 0-6 months, an ideal nutrition for child development and growth. In Bandar Lampung city, the prevalence of stunting is still high compared to national data. This study aimed to know the effect of exclusive breasfeeding on linear growth infants which is stunting birth length in Bandar Lampung city. A quantitative study with prospective cohort design was carried out for 3 months. A number of 179 mother who has stunted birth length infants and breastfeeding practice from birth to six months were completed to follow up. Exclusive breasfeeding in Bandar Lampung city is still low (45.8%). Most of stunted infants with exclusive breasfeeding achieving normal linear growth (97.6%) up to six months of age. Growth faltering occurs during 4 – 5 months of age for those infants who were not breastfed exclusively and those who breastfed exclusively at 5 – 6 months of age. Growth pattern throughout 3 – 6 months of age were analyzed by logistic regression and plotted in curves compared to WHO standard. Exclusively breastfed infants had 3,58 times better in linier growth compared to formula fed infants. Thus, active role of health personnel to promote exclusive breasfeeding and growth monitoring, especially linier growth during 0-72 months to monitor growth faltering, is required.