Roles of Midwives and Indonesian Midwives Association in Reducing Risk Factors for Stunting in Indonesia

Abstract

Background: Stunting is caused by multi-dimensional factors and the most decisive intervention should be carried out in the first 1,000 days of life. Poor parenting practices, lack of knowledge about health and nutrition before and during pregnancy are some of the contributing factors and 60% of children aged 0-6 months do not receive exclusive breastfeeding. Aim: To assess the role of midwives and the Indonesian Midwives Association Professional Organization in reducing the risk of stunting in Indonesia.   Method: This type of descriptive research uses an exploratory study approach by assessing the role of midwives and the professional organization of the Indonesian Midwives Association (IBI) in reducing the risk of stunting in Central Sulawesi. The data of 288 midwives were collected using google form from 22 July 2020 to 22 August 2020. Data were analyzed by SPSS. Result: In general, midwives have provided maternal and child health books to pregnant women, recorded complete maternal and child health records, conducted antenatal care for pregnant women, provided nutritional food counseling for pregnant women, gave Fe 90 tablets to pregnant women, provided calcium tablets to pregnant women, conducting classes for pregnant women, delaying umbilical cord cutting (>30 minutes), providing vitamin A to postpartum mothers, conducting exclusive breastfeeding counseling, providing family planning services, providing IYCF counseling. However, for the activities of Implementing a special stunting prevention program, implementing postnatal care and initiating early breastfeeding still need improvement. Conclusion: The role of midwives in efforts to prevent stunting in Indonesia with midwives have provided maternal and child health books to pregnant women. Delaying umbilical cord cutting to 30 minutes, giving vitamin A to postpartum mothers, breastfeeding counseling, providing family planning services, providing IYCF counseling