The Relationship Between Husband's Support and The Success of Exclusive Breastfeeding in Primipara Mothers in The Kalibaru Public Health Center Area

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is essential for infant growth and immunity during the first six months of life. Despite its benefits, many primiparous mothers face challenges in maintaining EBF due to lack of experience, stress, and insufficient support. Husband support has been identified as a crucial social factor that can influence a mother’s confidence and success in breastfeeding. This study aimed to examine the relationship between husband support and the success of exclusive breastfeeding among primiparous mothers in the Kalibaru Public Health Center area. A cross-sectional correlational design was employed, with 90 primiparous mothers selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires measuring husband support, including emotional, informational, and instrumental dimensions, and exclusive breastfeeding practice, following the World Health Organization (WHO) definition. Descriptive statistics summarized participants’ demographic characteristics and levels of support, while inferential analysis using the Chi-square test and Pearson correlation determined the association between husband support and EBF success. The results indicated that higher levels of husband support were significantly associated with successful exclusive breastfeeding among primiparous mothers (p < 0.05). Among the types of support, emotional and informational support were particularly influential in enhancing maternal confidence and overcoming breastfeeding challenges. These findings suggest that encouraging husband involvement through prenatal education, counseling, and family-based interventions can improve EBF rates. In conclusion, husband support plays a vital role in the successful practice of exclusive breastfeeding among first-time mothers. Health programs should actively involve fathers to provide emotional, informational, and practical support, thereby promoting optimal breastfeeding outcomes and infant health in the community.