Maternal, Knowledge, and Cultural Factors Affecting Primigravida Readiness for Early Initiation of Breastfeeding in Buleleng Regency, Bali

Introduction: Early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) is a crucial step in ensuring the continuation of exclusive breastfeeding for six months. A newborn’s ability to independently reach the mother’s nipple and begin suckling within the first hour after birth is a key indicator that must be observed by every birth attendant. Several studies have indicated that maternal factors, knowledge, and cultural practices can influence the success of EIBF. This study aims to examine the maternal, knowledge, and cultural factors associated with the readiness of primigravida mothers to perform EIBF in the Buleleng Regency, Bali.Methods: This is a quantitative study using an analytical observational method with a cross-sectional approach. The study population included all third-trimester primigravida mothers who visited primary healthcare facilities in the Buleleng Regency. A total of 110 respondents were selected using multistage random sampling. Data collection was conducted from February to March 2025 using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS software. Due to non-normal data distribution, the relationship between variables was tested using Spearman’s Rank Correlation at a significance level of p<0,05 to assess the correlation between maternal, knowledge, and cultural factors and primigravida mothers’ readiness to perform EIBF.Results: There was a significant correlation between educational background (r=0,482), antenatal care visits (r=0,947), knowledge (r=0,721), and cultural factors (r=-0,713) with readiness to perform EIBF, with p=0,000.Conclusion: These findings emphasize the need for culturally sensitive health education and community-based interventions that support first-time mothers in adopting early breastfeeding practices.