Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 14(2), pp. 259 - 265
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2026.140206
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Fathers' Involvement in Supporting Breastfeeding to Prevent Postpartum Blues in Mothers: A Study in the Ammatoa Kajang Indigenous Community, Indonesia

A. Rizky Amaliah ^1,2, Andi Zulkifli ³, Nurpudji Astuti Daud ⁴, Nurhaedar Jafar ⁵, A. Irma Suryani ^6,*, Indra Fajarwati Ibnu ⁷, Muhammad Tahir Abdullah ^8
1 Doctoral Program in Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
² Public Health Study Program, Faculty of Public Health, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Makassar, Indonesia
³ Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
⁴ Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
⁵ Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
⁶ Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Makassar, Indonesia
⁷ Department of Health Promotion and Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
⁸ Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia

ABSTRACT

Background: Postpartum blues is a mild emotional problem that often occurs in mothers after childbirth, especially during the first week. If not promptly recognized and managed, it can develop into a more serious psychological issue. Support from a partner, especially the father's role as a breastfeeding father, is crucial. In traditional communities such as the Ammatoa Kajang, the father's role is shaped by cultural values and social systems that separate male and female roles. Objective: This study aims to explore the meaning, obstacles, and potential of the father's role in preventing postpartum blues among breastfeeding mothers within the Ammatoa culture in Tana Toa Village, Bulukumba Regency. Methods: This research uses a qualitative phenomenological approach with Colaizzi's analysis. Informants included traditional leaders, healthcare workers, and fathers of postpartum mothers, selected purposively. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and group discussions, then analyzed thematically. Results: Five main themes emerged: (1) the meaning of the father's role after childbirth, (2) understanding of postpartum blues, (3) husband-wife communication after childbirth, (4) obstacles fathers face in providing support, and (5) expectations regarding the father's role. Findings: The results show that although traditional norms strictly regulate gender roles, there is room for change in the father's role as an emotional and spiritual companion during the postpartum period, in line with the values of kalumannyang, amaradekang, and pasang ri Kajang. Conclusions: The father's role as a breastfeeding father in the Ammatoa indigenous community can be strengthened with a more progressive cultural approach. Community-based education and local values are essential to develop the father's role as protector, caregiver, and emotional balance keeper for the wife, thus helping to prevent postpartum blues.

KEYWORDS
Postpartum Blues, Breastfeeding Father, Father, Ammatoa Customs, Husband-Wife Communication, Local Culture

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] A. Rizky Amaliah , Andi Zulkifli , Nurpudji Astuti Daud , Nurhaedar Jafar , A. Irma Suryani , Indra Fajarwati Ibnu , Muhammad Tahir Abdullah , "Fathers' Involvement in Supporting Breastfeeding to Prevent Postpartum Blues in Mothers: A Study in the Ammatoa Kajang Indigenous Community, Indonesia," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 14, No. 2, pp. 259 - 265, 2026. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2026.140206.

(b). APA Format:
A. Rizky Amaliah , Andi Zulkifli , Nurpudji Astuti Daud , Nurhaedar Jafar , A. Irma Suryani , Indra Fajarwati Ibnu , Muhammad Tahir Abdullah (2026). Fathers' Involvement in Supporting Breastfeeding to Prevent Postpartum Blues in Mothers: A Study in the Ammatoa Kajang Indigenous Community, Indonesia. Universal Journal of Public Health, 14(2), 259 - 265. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2026.140206.