NERS NEWS — Surabaya — In an effort to improve maternal and infant health, Nursing Professional students of Batch B27 group D4_3 at Universitas Airlangga held a health education activity on the topic of Early Initiation of Breastfeeding (IMD) on Thursday (7/5/2026). The implementation time was adjusted to the patients’ conditions so as not to interfere with medical treatment schedules. This activity was part of nursing professional practice focusing on promotive and preventive efforts to improve the quality of patient health, especially for postpartum mothers. The activity was also attended by patients’ families who enthusiastically received education regarding the importance of breastfeeding from the beginning of birth.
The event took place in the Verlos Kamer (VK) waiting room at Universitas Airlangga Hospital. This educational activity was conducted by Nursing Professional students of Batch B27 group D4_3 at Universitas Airlangga who were undergoing clinical practice, accompanied by professional medical personnel, namely experienced ward midwives who also served as field clinical supervisors.
This activity was motivated by the fact that many pregnant women and families still do not understand the importance of IMD and the correct way to implement it. Lack of information, limited access to education, and myths circulating in society have become inhibiting factors in the optimal implementation of IMD. Maternal and infant health are important indicators in public health development. One effort proven effective in improving newborn health is the implementation of Early Initiation of Breastfeeding (IMD), namely the breastfeeding process initiated within the first hour after birth. IMD has many benefits, including increasing the baby’s immune system, reducing the risk of neonatal death, and strengthening the emotional bond between mother and baby. Therefore, this educational activity aimed to increase the knowledge and awareness of pregnant women and families regarding the importance of Early Initiation of Breastfeeding (IMD) as an initial step in maintaining infant health. Through this activity, participants were expected to understand the benefits of IMD, know the correct implementation procedures, and have both physical and mental readiness to apply it after childbirth. In addition, this activity also aimed to encourage the active role of families in providing support to mothers so that the implementation of IMD could run optimally and contribute to the success of exclusive breastfeeding.
The implementation of the activity was carried out systematically through several stages. First, the students approached patients and families to build a therapeutic relationship. Furthermore, the material was delivered using an interactive lecture method accompanied by discussions and question-and-answer sessions. The materials provided included the definition of Early Initiation of Breastfeeding (IMD), the benefits of IMD for mothers and babies, and the correct steps for implementing IMD immediately after childbirth. In addition, participants were also given information regarding the importance of colostrum, proper breastfeeding positions, and the role of families in supporting the success of IMD. To support participants’ understanding, the students also used educational media in the form of leaflets containing simple and easy-to-understand instructions on proper breastfeeding techniques. Participants appeared enthusiastic throughout the activity, as indicated by their active participation in asking questions and engaging in discussions.
At the end of the activity, a simple evaluation was conducted to determine the level of understanding of patients and families regarding the material that had been delivered. The results showed an increase in participants’ knowledge related to Early Initiation of Breastfeeding (IMD).
Through this activity, it is hoped that participants can understand the importance of IMD and be able to implement it properly, thereby supporting the success of exclusive breastfeeding and improving the health status of mothers and babies. This activity also serves as a tangible form of contribution from Nursing Professional students at Universitas Airlangga in improving public health through sustainable education.
Writer: Atika Septarini
