ABSTRACT
A cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate qualitatively the current breastfeeding behavior of mothers having the first baby about six months of age and the current behavior regarding breastfeeding of health professionals working in several health care facilities (HCF) in Jakarta. The samples of mothers and health professionals were selected from HCF representing two different socioeconomic strata (middle-high and middle-low group). The result of this study shows that mother's breastfeeding behavior (the time of breastfeeding initiation, frequency and duration of breastfeeding) was in favor for the mothers of the middle-low group. Better practice concerning the time of breastfeeding initiation was also found among the health professionals of the middle-low group. Giving prelatic feed in the HCF was still common especially in the middle-high HCF. The duration of exclusive breastfeeding practice was still inadequate among mothers regardless socioeconomic status, which was also revealed in the health professional's knowledge. This study suggests that mother's motivation regarding breastfeeding should be encouraged continuously through various channels. All health professionals should be well informed and well motivated to promote breastfeeding particularly regarding the time of breastfeeding initiation, giving prelatic feed in the health care facility and the recommended time of giving supplementary feeding.