PKM Optimizes Baby Growth Through Breastfeeding Techniques and Baby Pillows as a Stunting-Free Effort for the Women's Community in Malaysia
The problem of stunting or delayed growth in babies is still a serious challengein Indonesia and Malaysia. Malnutrition during the crucial first 1,000 dayslife often ends in failure to thrive, affecting brain development, endurancebody, as well as the child's quality of life in the future.
Responding to this, lecturers from the University's Faculty of Public HealthIndonesian Muslims (UMI) initiated community service activities with the communityFatayat NU Malaysia. Activities supported and funded by LPKM UMI through schemesPKM International carries a mission of maternal and child health education.
Led by Prof. Dr. Andi Asrina, SKM., M.Kes, and accompanied by Sitti HadriyantiHamang, S.ST., M.Keb and Dr. Nur Ulmy Mahmud, SKM., M.Kes, this program is not onlyfocus on understanding nutrition, but also educating about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding,appropriate breastfeeding practices, as well as forming a Cergas Mother's Club community forum forsupports the empowerment and mentoring of young mothers.
In his lecture, Prof. Andi Asrina emphasized that exclusive breastfeeding is a rightbabies as well as the foundation for stunting prevention. "The first six months are a baby's golden period. Breast milkExclusive and balanced nutrition for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers is the main key to preventinggrowth disorders," he said.
Meanwhile, Sitti Hadriyanti Hamang highlighted the importance of nutritional literacy for families. "Motherneed to understand not only the contents of food, but also what a healthy diet can beapplied every day. This simple knowledge will have an immediate impact on your healthchild," he explained.
Apart from that, Dr. Nur Ulmy Mahmud added the dimension of maternal mental health. “Motherphysically, mentally and emotionally stable will be better prepared to provide breast milk and care for the babycalmly, and maintain the family's nutritional intake," he said.
As a concrete step, the Cergas Mother Club was formed which is a space for sharing experiences,health discussions, and emotional support between young mothers. Through this community, mothersare expected to not only gain knowledge, but also act as agents of changein his environment.
This activity received a positive response from members of Fatayat NU Malaysia. The mothers are enthusiasticasked about how to increase breast milk production, preparing a nutritious menu, and strategiesmaintain stamina in the midst of household routines.
With this education, the UMI service team hopes that the stunting rate can continue to be reduced throughprevention from an early age, and the Cergas Mother Club developing into a sustainable forumin improving maternal and child health.
"A healthy generation is the nation's investment. Maintaining the nutrition of mothers and children means taking care of themthe future," concluded Prof. Andi Asrina.
