EFEKTIVITAS PEMBERIAN PEPAYA TERHADAP PRODUKSI LAKTASI IBU MENYUSUI STUDI DI WILAYAH PUSKESMAS UNAAHA

Abstract

Background: Breast milk (ASI) is the best natural nutrition for infants up to six months of age. However, exclusive breastfeeding coverage in Konawe Regency remains low, particularly in the Unaaha Health Center area, which reached only 47.13%. One contributing factor is delayed milk production during the early postpartum period. Papaya (Carica papaya L.) contains lactagogue compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and vitamins that can stimulate prolactin and oxytocin hormones to enhance milk production. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of papaya juice administration on improving breast milk production among breastfeeding mothers in the Unaaha Health Center area. Methods: This study employed a one-group pretest–posttest experimental design with a total sampling of 34 normal postpartum mothers. The intervention involved 100 grams of papaya juice consumed three times daily for seven consecutive days. Data were collected through observation and structured interviews using questionnaires and analyzed using the Paired Sample T-Test at a significance level of α = 0.05. Results: The proportion of mothers with smooth milk flow increased from 26.5% (pretest) to 61.8% (posttest) with p = 0.000 (<0.05). Conclusion: Papaya juice administration effectively enhances breast milk production among breastfeeding mothers and can serve as a locally based nutritional intervention to support the exclusive breastfeeding program in Konawe Regency.