Infant and young children’s mother profile related to breastfeeding practices during and after the flash floods disaster in Agam, West Sumatra, 2024

¹ Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Andalas, Padang, Indonesia
² Department of Pediatrics, Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital, Padang, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: nitarirahmi25@gmail.com

Abstract

Flash floods from Mount Marapi on May 24, 2024 occurred in Agam Regency, West Sumatra. BNPB reported distribution of vulnerable categories among refugees are baby which is increased infection, breastfeeding can reduce the risk of infectious diseases in disaster. One of the efforts is relactation. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 19 babies’ refugee of the Agam flash floods on May 2024. Data were collected using questionnaire during and after disaster. A total of 21 babies that 0-2 years old participated in the study that four mothers (21.3%) still had enough breast milk for their babies, nine mother (47.4%) breast milk production was reduced, and six mothers (31.6%) had difficulties and no longer had breast milk. Several problems occur in mothers during disaster are anxiety (89.5%), lack of sleep (68.4%), no appetite (63.1) fatigue and stress (57.9%). Fatigue and stress (p-value 0.039), lack of sleep (p-value 0.036), no appetite (p-value 0.048), and anxiety (p-value 0.002) were statistically significant correlates. Relactation practice needed but only four respondents relactated. Breastfeeding during disaster is important to reduce any disease, but fatigue, stress, lack of sleep, loss of appetite and anxiety has statistically significant correlate with decrease of breastmilk production.