An Examination of the Impact of Mothers' Breast Milk and MP ASI on Toddlers' Nutritional Status

Abstract

In Indonesia, malnutrition remains a serious public health issue and a leading cause of death among infants and toddlers. If untreated, undernutrition can hinder physical growth, cognitive development, and weaken immune resistance, increasing morbidity and mortality in children under five. This condition is reflected in the KMS (Card Towards Healthy) growth chart, which shows a decline in undernourished children and an upward trend in children with normal nutritional status. This study aims to identify the role of mothers in breastfeeding and complementary feeding, assess the nutritional status of toddlers, and analyze the influence of maternal roles on toddler nutrition. A literature review was conducted using three databases: Google Scholar, PubMed, and Springer Link, with publication years ranging from 2015 to 2021. Nine relevant journals were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, using keywords such as “the role of mothers in breastfeeding and complementary feeding on the nutritional status of toddlers” and “the role of breastfeeding OR the nutritional status of children under five.” Data analysis from the reviewed studies used statistical methods including Chi-square and Spearman Rho tests. The findings show a significant relationship between maternal roles in breastfeeding and complementary feeding and the nutritional status of toddlers. Key influencing factors include maternal education, employment status, and age. Improving toddler nutritional status requires collaborative efforts across communities, households, and individual levels.