To celebrate National Children’s Day 2011, UGM through the Institute for Research and Community Service and Women’s Studies Center held a health education in the Hargotirto village, Kokap, Kulon Progo. The counseling is entitled Use of Breastfeed Milk and Education Patterns for Children, held at the Hall of Community Activities Center, Hargotirto Wednesday (20/7), followed by mothers and prospective mothers.
Dra. Sri Djoharwienarlin, S.U. said breastmilk should be given because it is the baby’s rights that have to be met by the mothers as long as she is able to do so. She mentioned that only 15.3% of babies have exclusive breast milk intake. "Exclusive breastfeeding is at least given until the baby reaches the age of 6 months. Breast milk contains immunity and better nutrient content and cannot be replaced by formula milk products," said the UGM Head of Women’s Studies Center as speaker of the counseling.
In the presence of productive women, Djoharwienarlien reminds that any kind of formula milk products is not as good as breast milk. With early initiation of breastfeeding, the baby would be more resistant to disease and have higher life expectancy. In the end, breastfeeding can reduce the cost of hospital subsidies, reducing infant mortality as well as minimizing malnutrition and infant malnutrition rates. "Judging from the economic side, the family could save money and reduce state subsidies to import formula milk," she said.
With breastfeeding, a mother can minimize breast cancer, helps maintain health, and able to restore the body into previous shape more quickly. This information is often unheard by many mothers. "The limited access is what makes mothers tend to underestimate the breastfeeding. Moreover for working women, these kinds of information about breast feeding are often overlooked," the lecturer at the UGM Faculty of Social and Political Sciences said.
Prof. Dr. Sartini Nuryoto, who spoke about the Children Growth and Development, said it was the time for all parties to prepare children to become qualified human resources. In terms of education, the process is long and cannot be done instantly. "Similar to breastfeeding, the benefit effect will not be felt directly," she said.
The lecturer of Faculty of Psychology also explains that breast milk given while the baby rests in the mother’s arms will give positive effect in the formation of human resource of the children. In the arms of mother, the child at the same time is listening to the heartbeat. "That is the most melodious music that is heard by the child. Children feel secure, comfortable, safe, and eventually the child will easily fall asleep," she explained.
In this counseling, Sartini Nuryoto requests the parents not to force the growth of her children because each child does not have the same ability. She also hoped that parents pay attention to the growth of children from physical, psychological, and social aspects. "These three aspects are expected to grow together. In terms of learning to walk, for example, when children still unable to do it, then don’t force them because if the child is forced to walk, then physically the child’s feet will form the letter O or X once they are fully grown up," she explained.
Supardi, Head of Hargotirto Village, expresses high appreciation to the UGM KKN students as the committee of the current National Children’s Day activity. With this breast-feeding counseling, it is expected to provide a positive impact on mothers in the village of Hargotirto in maintaining the health and growth of children. "Hopefully, these materials can be kept in mind and help prevent malnutrition among the people of the Hargotirto village," he said.