Individual Motives or Organisational Support? Exclusive Breastfeeding Behaviour Among Women Workers in Indonesia

Objective – This study aims to measure the knowledge and attitudes towards exclusive breastfeeding among women workers in Indonesia as well as their expectation to the company's supports to enable the practice. Methodology/Technique – This research is cross sectional and was conducted in three manufacturing companies located in West Java, which the percentage of exclusive breastfeeding only reached 35.3% compared to the national percentage which reached 55.7 %. Research was conducted in HF, CI and CMW involving 290 respondents. Findings – The results showed that respondents do not understand the definition of exclusive breastfeeding. In addition, the main supports expected by women workers to be provided by the company include: longer maternity leave and designated nursery room with sufficient facilities. Novelty – This research suggests that companies should have a thorough policy and facilities for working mothers to enable them giving exclusive breastfeeding for their babies. As the number of women entering the workforce is steadily increasing, this kind of policy would be a necessary benefit provided by the companies. Type of Paper: Empirical