NERS NEWS — Nursing Profession students from the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga conducted a Hospital Health Promotion (PKRS) activity entitled “Family Education on the Importance of Early Initiation of Breastfeeding (EIBF) for Newborns” on Thursday, July 2, 2026, in the family waiting area of the maternity ward at Universitas Airlangga Hospital. The activity was conducted through lectures, discussions, and interactive question-and-answer sessions using leaflets and PowerPoint presentations to increase families’ knowledge about the importance of Early Initiation of Breastfeeding (EIBF) and the family’s role in supporting successful breastfeeding from the beginning of a baby’s life.
This health education activity provided information on the definition of Early Initiation of Breastfeeding (EIBF), the benefits of EIBF for both mother and baby, the stages of EIBF implementation, conditions that may require EIBF to be postponed, and the role of the family in supporting the successful implementation of EIBF. The presenters explained that EIBF is the process of allowing a newborn to breastfeed independently through skin-to-skin contact between the mother and the baby immediately after birth. Through EIBF, newborns can receive colostrum, which is rich in antibodies and essential nutrients to strengthen the immune system and support optimal growth and development.
In addition to explaining the benefits of EIBF for both infants and mothers, the students also emphasized the importance of family involvement in supporting the process. Families play an important role in providing emotional support to mothers, helping meet mothers’ needs after childbirth, encouraging mothers to practice exclusive breastfeeding, and collaborating with healthcare professionals to ensure that the EIBF process is carried out optimally. Families’ understanding of the natural EIBF process is expected to increase mothers’ confidence and create an environment that supports successful breastfeeding.
The activity was conducted by Nursing Profession students from the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, Group D1-4, from 08:00 to 08:50 a.m., targeting family members waiting in the maternity ward of Universitas Airlangga Hospital. Throughout the activity, participants showed great enthusiasm by paying close attention to the material presented and actively participating in the discussion and question-and-answer session. Several participants asked questions regarding the benefits of EIBF, colostrum feeding, and the types of support families can provide to mothers after childbirth.
Overall, the activity was carried out smoothly, interactively, and in accordance with its established objectives. The program was conducted under the supervision of academic advisor Ni Ketut Alit Armini, S.Kp., M.Kes. and clinical supervisor Yeti Bangun Lestari, S.Keb., Bd. This PKRS activity aimed to improve families’ knowledge and awareness of the importance of Early Initiation of Breastfeeding and encourage family involvement in supporting mothers during the breastfeeding process. This health education activity represents the students’ contribution toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being by improving maternal and infant health, and SDG 4: Quality Education through the provision of informative, nursing science-based health education.
Through this PKRS activity, it is expected that families will understand the importance of Early Initiation of Breastfeeding and actively support mothers throughout the breastfeeding process. With increased knowledge and family involvement, it is hoped that the implementation of EIBF and the success of exclusive breastfeeding will continue to improve, thereby providing positive outcomes for maternal and infant health from the very beginning of life.
Writer: Dhea Triananda
