The Effect of The Application of Breastfeeding Techniques on The Consistency of Exclusive Breastfeeding in Breastfeeding Mothers at The Dambalo Community Health Center

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding is essential for infant growth, immunity, and overall health. However, many breastfeeding mothers experience difficulties in maintaining exclusive breastfeeding due to improper breastfeeding techniques, low maternal knowledge, and lack of guidance from health workers. Proper application of breastfeeding techniques, including correct latch-on, positioning, and frequency, can improve breastfeeding consistency and prevent early weaning (Sari, 2020; Putri, 2021). Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of the application of breastfeeding techniques on the consistency of exclusive breastfeeding in breastfeeding mothers at the Dambalo Community Health Center. Methods: A quantitative, pre-experimental study with a one-group pretest-posttest design was conducted. Thirty breastfeeding mothers were selected using purposive sampling based on inclusion criteria, including mothers of infants aged 0–6 months who were willing to participate and had no medical conditions preventing breastfeeding. Results: All 30 participants (100%) applied the recommended breastfeeding techniques after the intervention. Following the intervention, 27 mothers (90%) consistently practiced exclusive breastfeeding, while three mothers (10%) showed partial improvement. Statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed a significant difference in exclusive breastfeeding consistency before and after the intervention (p = 0.000), indicating that the application of proper breastfeeding techniques significantly improved breastfeeding practices. Conclusion: The application of breastfeeding techniques has a significant positive effect on the consistency of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers at the Dambalo Community Health Center. Structured guidance and practical support from health workers, particularly midwives, are essential to improve maternal skills, reinforce proper practices, and ensure the health and growth of infants.