Comparison of Vegetables and Nuts in Increasing Milk Production in Breastfeeding Moms and Increasing Baby Weight

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effect of sweet potato leaves on the smooth production of breast milk and increase in baby weight at the Klari Health Center UPTD in 2023.   Method: Quasy Experiment with one group pretest-posttest design. The sample was 56 breastfeeding mothers 4 days after giving birth whose breast milk production was not smooth using a convenience sampling technique. Bivariate analysis uses paired simple t test.   Results: The results of univariate research on the smoothness of breast milk production before consuming sweet potato leaves (pretest) were mostly substandard at 57.1% with an average of 5.16. After consuming sweet potato leaves (posttest), most of them were 69.6% smooth with an average smooth breast milk production of 6.63. Most babies' weight before consuming sweet potato leaves (pretest) did not increase by 73.2%, afterward most of it increased by 60.7%. The results of bivariate research on the smoothness of breast milk production obtained a p value = 0.000 and an increase in the baby's weight obtained a p value = 0.000.   Theoritical framework: Non-smooth breast milk production can hinder the process of exclusive breastfeeding due to the mother's desire to take steps to stop breastfeeding and replace it with formula milk. There are many ways that can be done to facilitate breast milk, including through non-pharmacological measures such as consuming sweet potato leaves which can be consumed freshly or made into clear vegetables.   Conclusions and Suggestions: There is an effect of sweet potato leaves on the smooth production of breast milk and increasing the baby's weight. Nursing mothers are expected to consume sweet potato leaves regularly during breastfeeding in order to increase breast milk production so that breast milk production runs smoothly and the mother's baby gets exclusive breast milk.