Nursing mothers in Cemani, Sukoharjo, demonstrate that simple family support significantly influences overcoming breast milk stasis.
A crying baby, swollen and painful breasts, while milk production is actually stalled. This is the bitter reality faced by many new mothers when experiencing breast milk stasis—a problem that is not only physically painful but also mentally burdensome.
Behind this challenge, recent research reveals a simple solution that is often overlooked: family support. A study in the Cemani Area, Sukoharjo, proves that the active role of the family is directly correlated with a decrease in the incidence of breast milk stasis.
Breast milk stasis is a condition in which the breasts of nursing mothers swell due to the accumulation of milk that does not flow smoothly. This situation not only causes discomfort but can also lead to serious complications such as mastitis (breast infection).
Research by Lusiya Wijayanti in 2010 revealed that of 32 mothers experiencing milk stasis, 59.37% were caused by breast infection, 37.5% due to delayed breastfeeding, and 3.12% related to systemic diseases such as tuberculosis 1 .
This fact underlines that milk stasis is not merely a mechanical problem, but a multifactorial condition that requires a holistic approach.
Breast Infection
Delayed Breastfeeding
Systemic Diseases
An innovative study conducted at PKD Syifa Cemani, Sukoharjo, specifically examined the relationship between the role of the family and the incidence of milk stasis in postpartum mothers. This quantitative research with a cross-sectional approach involved 30 respondents with statistical analysis using Kendall Tau 1 .
This research design applied a systematic approach with the following stages:
30 postpartum mothers in the Cemani Area, Sukoharjo, were selected as research respondents
Data was collected through questionnaires and direct observation
Using Kendall Tau test to identify correlations between variables
Conducting verification process to ensure accuracy of findings
This study focused on three main forms of family support: emotional support (providing calm and self-confidence), informational support (helping to find information about correct breastfeeding techniques), and instrumental support (helping with household chores and baby care).
The results of data analysis showed a significant correlation between the role of the family and the incidence of milk stasis. Mothers who received adequate support from their families reported lower incidence of milk stasis compared to those who did not receive optimal support 1 .
| Causes | Number of Respondents | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Breast Infection | 19 people | 59.37% |
| Delayed Breastfeeding | 12 people | 37.5% |
| Systemic Disease (Tuberculosis) | 1 person | 3.12% |
Based on research findings, here are practical support forms proven effective in reducing the risk of milk stasis:
Family, especially husbands, can provide mental reinforcement by calming the mother when facing breastfeeding difficulties, reducing psychological burden, and increasing the mother's self-confidence.
Family members can actively seek information about correct breastfeeding techniques, ways to overcome lactation problems, and early signs of milk stasis.
Concrete help in managing household chores and caring for the baby allows the mother to get enough rest and focus on the breastfeeding process.
| Support Type | Implementation Form | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Emotional | Providing calm, listening to complaints, calming during stress | Mother is more relaxed so the let-down reflex is more optimal |
| Informational | Seeking information about correct breastfeeding techniques, danger signs | Early detection of problems and appropriate treatment |
| Instrumental | Helping with housework, caring for baby, preparing meals | Mother has enough time to rest and breastfeed |
The research findings in Cemani, Sukoharjo are in line with global and national efforts to increase support for breastfeeding mothers. WHO and UNICEF actively encourage the creation of sustainable support systems for breastfeeding mothers in Indonesia 2 .
During World Breastfeeding Week 2025 with the theme "Prioritize Breastfeeding: Realize a Sustainable Support System", the world health organization emphasizes the importance of investing in breastfeeding support systems .
Exclusive breastfeeding rates in Indonesia have indeed shown a significant increase—from 52% in 2017 to 66.4% in 2024—but many babies still do not receive exclusive breastfeeding for a full six months as recommended 2 .
The benefits of breastfeeding are not limited to nutritional aspects alone. Scientific evidence shows that breastfeeding increases cognitive development in children by 3-4 IQ points, reduces the risk of overweight and obesity in childhood, and provides lifelong protection against non-communicable diseases 2 .
| Equipment | Function in Research |
|---|---|
| Questionnaire | Primary data collection tool about family role and milk stasis incidence |
| Observation Form | Documenting clinical signs of milk stasis (swelling, redness, pain) |
| Statistical Analysis (Kendall Tau) | Measuring strength and direction of relationship between research variables |
| Interview Guide | Guiding in-depth interviews with respondents for qualitative data |
Milk stasis is indeed a common problem, but that doesn't mean it has to be borne alone by the mother. Research in Cemani, Sukoharjo, has proven that family support is a determining factor in reducing the incidence of milk stasis 1 .
This support aligns with the call from WHO and UNICEF to create sustainable support systems that include not only families, but also health policies, work environments, and public health services 2 .
By investing in a comprehensive support system, we not only help mothers overcome milk stasis, but also contribute to a healthier generation in the future—starting with the family as the first and closest support unit.
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