The influence culture and maternal care on exclusive breastfeeding practice in post caesarean section mothers

Objective: The purpose of this study is to identify the influence of socio-cultural factors on the exclusive breastfeeding practice among post-caesarean section mothers on Cibinong West Java region. Method: This study used a mixed quantitative survey method and qualitative phenomenological approach. Result: Postpartum caesarean mothers had a good understanding and knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding (84%), but only 23.3% of postpartum caesarean mothers were doing exclusive breastfeeding. There were five themes identified from the qualitative study namely: the practice of breastfeeding, factors that influence mothers in giving breast milk, beliefs and values influencing the breastfeeding practice, experience of breastfeeding, and the mother's return to work and community beliefs. Conclusion: Exclusive breastfeeding remains low in that city especially in post-caesarean mothers who are influenced by culture, values, and due to the mother having to return to work. They need support to provide exclusive breastfeeding.