Edukasi Prelakteal Pada Kader Dalam Upaya Meningkatkan Pemberian ASI Eksklusif di Desa Bukit Raya

Background: Prelacteal feeding, the practice of giving food or drink other than breast milk from birth, is linked to low exclusive breastfeeding rates and higher stunting. In East Kalimantan, 23.9% of infants receive prelacteal feeds. Despite government efforts, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in Kutai Kartanegara declined from 69.1% in 2020 to 50% in 2022. A study found that 73% of mothers in Bukit Raya gave prelacteal feeds, with none exclusively breastfeeding for 6 months. This activity aims to educate health cadres and reduce prelacteal practices. Method: The activity used an educational approach. The first stage involved assessing the reason behind prelacteal practices in the community. The second stage provided education on how to prevent prelacteal feeding based on the identified issues, followed by the practice of oxytocin massage and the use of a traditional lactation-boosting drink made from turmeric and tamarin, which is believed to contain galactagogues that support breast milk production. Results: A total of 30 health cadres demonstrated increased knowledge regarding the dangers of prelacteal feeding and methods of prevention, including the use of oxytocin massage and herbal drinks made from turmeric and tamarind. Conclusion: As a result of this activity, the cadres committed to becoming a prelacteal prevention team, officially acknowledged by the village head, and will continue to support postpartum mothers in promoting successful breastfeeding.