The Closest, The Most Heard

Lusina Bernadette, 28, is a teacher of Pelangi ECCD in Yamta village, Keerom, Papua. When she was pregnant and gave birth to her third child, she diligently went to Posyandu (Integrated Service Post for under five). By quizzing herself routinely, Lusi learned the importance of exclusive breastfeeding.

The staff of the Puskesmas (Community Health Center) and the cadres are always ready to provide counseling when conducting the Posyandu activities. The cadres and health staff have attended trainings, both from the local Health Ministry office and from Wahana Visi Indonesia in Keerom Operations Office. Since 2011, the Yamta village or PIR 2 village became the focus of Wahana Visi Indonesia service for developing the Posyandu Model in Keerom.

One afternoon, Lusi received a visit from the Posyandu cadres. Mrs. Lajar and other cadres of PIR 2 normally visit expecting mothers and mothers of children under-five.

In the visit, Mrs. Lajar shared various kinds of information, like about exclusive breastfeeding and its benefits for a mother and her baby. After the talk, Lusi began to understand and decided to do exclusive breastfeeding.

"I believe in your words. Since the birth of Nona [her daughter], she is very often unhealthy. I just want to try it," said Lusi. She admitted that Mrs. Lajar is very well respected.

This decision was initially opposed by her relatives. According to Lusi, her relatives were angry when they saw Lusi only breastfeeding her baby. But Lusi was committed with her decision.

The Posyandu cadres admitted it is somewhat difficult to socialize the exclusive breastfeeding method, particularly among Papua indigenous women. Although there is no prohibition from the local culture, it is difficult for them to exclusively breastfeed their children.

There is another story with Euis, 17, a young mother and native of Sundan. She is successful with exclusive breastfeeding. Euis told that exclusive breastfeeding is very good, and economical. Euis lives next door to a cadre’s house. Euis wanted to try the exclusive breastfeeding due to economical reasons.

"Thanks to God, my baby (7 months) became healthy and stout. I go to Posyandu every month, too. My husband also supports me," Euis said.

The increase of understanding and practice of exclusive breastfeeding motivate the Posyandu cadres in the Yamta village. The expecting mothers will be kept informed about this issue.

Many mothers have tried the exclusive breastfeeding, and as a result their babies are healthy. Like the experience Lusi and Euis, the factors of trust and closeness are crucial. Mrs. Lajar and other cadres are successful in approaching the community by informal visits and meetings.

* Ika Indah Lumbantoruan, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Coordinator of Wahana Visi Indonesia in Keerom Operations Office | Translated by Lukas Ginting