North Jakarta TP PKK uploaded podcast with theme of increasing breastfeeding and policy of providing lactation to the community.

Exclusive breastfeeding is given as a form of our gratitude to Allah for giving us a healthy child

This program is a part of campaigning exclusive breastfeeding through collaboration with North Jakarta Employment, Children Protection, and Population Control (PPAPP) Sub-Agency and Health Sub-agency.

North Jakarta TP PKK Chairperson, Suni Sigit Wijatmoko conveyed, exclusive breastfeeding for babies starting from birth to six months without additional food is still recommended during the pandemic period. The exclusive breastfeeding process is continued until the age of two years with complementary feeding.

"Exclusive breastfeeding is given as a form of our gratitude to Allah for giving us a healthy child," she mentioned, Thursday (8/27).

According to him, children nutritional needs during the pandemic must be fulfilled. Therefore, North Jakarta TP PKK cadres are urged to be more active in socializing the importance of exclusive breastfeeding in the community.

"It depends on their will. Support from workplace environment is also important to give a space and flexibility for employees to pump breast milk between the work hours," she added.

North Jakarta Health Sub-agency's Public Health Section Head, Indah Raksi stated, there is no prohibition on breastfeeding babies during COVID-19 pandemic. But, for mothers who are confirmed positive COVID-19, it is better for not giving Early Initiation of Breastfeeding (IMD) to the baby. Instead, feeding the baby with expressed breast milk to meet baby's nutritional needs.

"Expressed breast milk which stored in refrigerator or in room temperature lasts only six to eight hours. If stored in refrigerator, it could last about two or three weeks," she informed.