TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Chairperson of the Breastfeeding Task Force at the Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI), I Gusti Ayu Nyoman Partiwi or Tiwi, reminds mothers to stay calm during the breastfeeding period for their babies. "If you want smooth breastfeeding, you have to stay calm," she said during the launch of Lacta Well on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Bunda Jakarta Hospital.
Mothers who go through the breastfeeding process calmly may sound easy. However, there are many challenges faced by mothers in order to achieve calmness. In reality, new mothers tend to feel anxious during this period. Some may worry whether their breast milk is sufficient, whether the baby is full, or why the baby's weight keeps decreasing.
These excessive thoughts and anxieties often pose a significant challenge to the breastfeeding process. The production and excretion of breast milk are greatly influenced by the hormones prolactin and oxytocin. When mothers feel stressed, their bodies produce cortisol hormone, which can inhibit the function of oxytocin.
So, the more anxious a mother feels, the harder it becomes for the breast milk to flow. To achieve calmness, Tiwi emphasizes the importance of solid support from the family during this difficult period. This not only applies to husbands but also to grandmothers, mothers-in-law, and other family members around the mother need to support her to stay calm. "If the mother is calm, the process will be easier. Hormones will work," Tiwi said.
Tiwi advises family members surrounding the mother to keep their mouths shut. It's better not to make various comments or statements that might make the mother overthink. "Keep your mouth shut, don't make breastfeeding mothers overthink," Tiwi said.
Tiwi points out that supplements or breast milk boosters are not instant solutions that work without a process. Many mothers have high expectations after consuming breast milk enhancement products. However, in reality, breast milk will flow abundantly if the mother is calm. "The family must understand the physiology of the mother's body during pregnancy and childbirth, as well as the physiology of the baby. Products can work, but ultimately it's about hormones," Tiwi said.
Obstetrician Gorga I V W Udjung explains that pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should always prepare themselves with comprehensive nutrition, starting from essential micronutrients and Omega-3, along with other nutritional needs and a healthy lifestyle for optimal baby growth. "It is believed that the proper nutrition fulfillment is the main driver for a good start for the baby," Gorga said.
Senior Brand Manager of Blackmores Indonesia, Juliana Nur Wulan, adds that the breastfeeding process is not only dependent on nutrition. "Breastfeeding is not just about nutrient intake, but also about calmness. Stress can increase the cortisol hormone, which potentially inhibits the flow of breast milk," Juliana said.
Read: BKKBN Encourages Breastfeeding to Prevent Stunting in Children
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
