The Relationship Between Spousal Support and Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Postpartum Mothers at the Dzahira Medika Clinic in 2026

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) state that the prevention of infant mortality is achieved through proper nutrition, specifically exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and the introduction of safe and nutritious complementary foods at six months of age, alongside continued breastfeeding until the age of two years (WHO, 2020). This study is a descriptive correlational study—a type of research used to determine the relationship between two variables using a cross-sectional approach. The sampling technique employed was accidental sampling, with a sample size of 30 postpartum mothers. Data were collected using a questionnaire. There were 22 mothers (73.3%) whose husbands supported them in providing exclusive breastfeeding. Eighteen mothers (60.0%) practiced exclusive breastfeeding. The statistical test yielded a p-value of 0.01 < 0.05, indicating a significant association between spousal support and exclusive breastfeeding at Dzahira Medika Clinic. This study is expected to enhance knowledge regarding exclusive breastfeeding—including how it works and its benefits—by utilizing counseling services at clinics and reliable health information sources.