Accurate information and family support seen as vital for breastfeeding mothers

Breastfeeding success does not rest on mothers alone, counsellors in Yogyakarta said. Reliable information and support from family members also shape the experience.

Raisika Riyanto, founder and chief executive of Sanggar ASI and a breastfeeding counsellor, said social media exposes families to large amounts of advice that may conflict with lactation science or reflect industry interests. She made the comments at KolaSA, an educational event held at RS AMC Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta.

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Breastfeeding problems are actually caused by a lack of accurate information in the community.

The event was the sixth and final activity in Sanggar ASI’s August programme for World Breastfeeding Week 2026 and National Breastfeeding Month. Its theme was “Science, Family and Solutions for Successful Breastfeeding.”

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Breastfeeding is not only a mother’s domestic responsibility, but also the responsibility of the father as head of the family.

Riyanto said breastfeeding should not be treated as the mother’s domestic responsibility alone. Fathers and other relatives also have roles in supporting the process.

Mita Wulansari, a breastfeeding counsellor at the hospital, said staff commonly help with nipple confusion, breast engorgement, mastitis, sore nipples and induced lactation for adopted babies. She said support should extend beyond health workers to husbands, carers and relatives living with the mother.

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The problems we very often handle are related to nipple confusion. There are also breast engorgement, mastitis and sore nipples.