The Influence of Complementary Feeding Education by Midwives on the Variation of Complementary Feeding in Infants

Complementary feeding (MP-ASI) plays an essential role in supporting infant growth and development. However, many infants still receive inappropriate complementary feeding due to mothers’ limited knowledge regarding proper feeding practices. Education provided by health workers, particularly midwives, is expected to improve maternal knowledge and increase the diversity of complementary foods given to infants. This study aimed to examine the effect of complementary feeding education by midwives on the variation of complementary feeding in infants. This study employed a quantitative design with a pre-experimental one-group pre-test post-test approach. It was conducted at the Air Health Center, Padang City, West Sumatra, involving 30 mothers with infants aged 6–12 months who had not yet received complementary feeding. Samples were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires administered before and after the educational intervention. Univariate analysis was used to describe sample characteristics and maternal knowledge, while bivariate analysis using paired t-test assessed differences before and after the intervention. The results showed that prior to education, 60% of mothers had low knowledge, 30% had moderate knowledge, and 10% had good knowledge. After education, the proportion shifted to 10% low, 40% moderate, and 50% good knowledge. The variation in complementary feeding also improved, with 70% of mothers providing diverse complementary foods after education compared to 30% before. Statistical analysis indicated a significant difference (p < 0.05) in both maternal knowledge and feeding variation. In conclusion, complementary feeding education by midwives significantly improves maternal knowledge and the diversity of complementary feeding practices in infants.