Pengalaman Ibu Menyusui: Sebuah Studi Fenomenologi Tentang Tantangan Dan Keberhasilan Menyusui

Background: Breastfeeding is a crucial process in the lives of mothers and infants. In Indonesia, breastfeeding remains a significant issue. According to the Central Statistics Agency (2023), only 55.5% of infants in Indonesia are exclusively breastfed until 6 months of age. This indicates that mothers still face difficulties and challenges in breastfeeding. Objective: To explore mothers’ lived experiences of breastfeeding, focusing on the challenges and successes of breastfeeding. Method: This study employed a phenomenological research design. The sample consisted of breastfeeding mothers aged 20–40 years with infants aged 0–6 months. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, and thematic analysis was used for data analysis. Results: Data analysis using Colaizzi’s technique yielded two main themes: (1) “The Battlefield” in the First Few Months (Breastfeeding Challenges) and (2) Emotional Triumph and Adaptation (Breastfeeding Success). Conclusion: Breastfeeding mothers often face a double burden—both physical challenges such as pain, sore nipples, swollen breasts, or fatigue, and psychological challenges such as anxiety—therefore requiring the mother’s determination to continue learning, adapting, and managing her emotions, as well as full support from her immediate environment, such as her husband and family