"One of the efforts to optimize children's growth and development is to meet children's nutritional (needs), one of which comes from exclusive breastfeeding," he said.
Soedjatmiko, who is also a professor of pediatric health sciences at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia (FKUI), explained that after the first six months, breastfeeding should be continued to up to two years, accompanied by complementary feeding for breast milk (MPASI).
"Complementary feeding needs to heed nutritional needs in children such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and also fiber," he said.
Nutrient intake in the first thousand days of life can prevent stunting problems in children, he added.
"In addition to giving nutrition, parents also need to give stimulation, protection, and evaluate the growth and development of their children," he said.
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Providing stimulation refers to inviting children to play, see, hear, imitate, show affection, and so on, Soedjatmiko explained.
Meanwhile, protection refers to providing routine immunizations, observing the health protocols, and preventing injuries, violence, and neglect in children.
Evaluation refers to ensuring that children's growth and development is optimal for their age, Soedjatmiko said.
He further said he welcomed the approval of the maternal and child welfare bill (RUU KIA) for discussion with the government as the House's initiative.
The proposed six-month maternity leave in the bill will increase the role of families in realizing a quality generation, he added.
"With the proposal to extend maternity leave to six months as written in the RUU KIA, mothers will have more time to exclusively breastfeed their babies," Soedjatmiko remarked.
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Translator: Wuryanti P, Kenzu T
Editor: Suharto
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