BREASTFEEDING EXPERIENCES AMONG MOTHERS INFECTED WITH COVID-19 IN LEBAK, BANTEN PROVINCE, INDONESIA Nansya Handayani AM, Irma Nurbaeti
Nursing Program, Faculty of Health Science, Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Indonesia
Abstract
Introduction: Postpartum mothers are the vulnerable population when exposure by the COVID-19. Transmission of the COVID-19 can cause a change in the breastfeeding process and also has an impact on the mother^s psychology.
Aim: To explore the experience of breastfeeding in mothers who have a history of being infected with COVID-19.
Methods: A qualitative method with a phenomenological approach was used in this study. A total of 12 postpartum mothers who were history infected with COVID-19 was carried out in Lebak Regency, Banten Province from April to May 2022. Data collection was performed by in-depth interviews, assisted by interview guidelines, recording devices, note-taking equipment and field notes. The data were analyzed by the Colaizzi method.
Result: The feelings of breastfeeding mothers when infected with COVID-19 consisted of two themes: (1) feelings sadness, (2) feelings fear. The breastfeeding experience of mothers infected with COVID-19 existed 4 themes: (1) how to provide nutrition to babies, (2) the frequency of breastfeeding babies, (3) health protocols carried out by mothers, (4) sources of information related to breastfeeding that mother got. The support person during difficult times obtained several themes: (1) support from husbands, (2) support from parents, (3) support from in-laws (4) support from family, (5) support from friends or relatives, (6) support from neighbors, (7) support from health workers.
Conclusion: COVID-19 infection tends to impact to psychological aspect among breastfeeding mothers. Support from significant persons, relative and health workers needed to successful breastfeeding during and after infected with COVID-19.
Keywords: Breastfeeding experience, COVID-19, Postpartum Mothers, Social support
