<![CDATA[Latar Belakang: Upaya menurunkan angka kematian bayi (AKB) salah satunya dapat dilakukan melalui pemberian ASI eksklusif. Rendahnya cakupan ASI eksklusif umumnya dipengaruhi oleh faktor sosial budaya serta keterbatasan pengetahuan ibu hamil mengenai manfaat ASI eksklusif.Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi gambaran karakteristik dan pengetahuan ibu hamil tentang ASI eksklusif.Metode: Penelitian kuantitatif dengan desain deskriptif ini dilaksanakan pada Agustus–September 2024 di Desa Tegallinggah, wilayah kerja Puskesmas Sukasada I. Sebanyak 35 ibu hamil trimester II dan III diikutsertakan dengan teknik total sampling. Data karakteristik dan pengetahuan dikumpulkan melalui kuesioner, kemudian dianalisis secara univariat untuk menggambarkan distribusi frekuensi.Hasil: Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa sebagian besar responden berusia 20–35 tahun (80%), berpendidikan menengah (51,4%), multigravida (54,3%), tidak bekerja atau sebagai ibu rumah tangga (57,1%), serta memiliki tingkat pengetahuan cukup (65,7%).Kesimpulan: Pengetahuan ibu merupakan faktor penting dalam keberhasilan ASI eksklusif, sehingga diperlukan intervensi edukasi selama masa antenatal care. Tingkat pengetahuan berkontribusi signifikan terhadap perubahan perilaku dalam mendukung keberhasilan menyusui. Tenaga kesehatan diharapkan lebih aktif memberikan informasi, sementara ibu perlu meningkatkan pemahaman mengenai manfaat dan teknik menyusui untuk mengoptimalkan keberhasilan ASI eksklusif. Kata Kunci : ASI Eksklusif, Karakteristik, Pengetahuan ABSTRACT Background: Reducing infant mortality can be achieved in part through exclusive breastfeeding. The low coverage of exclusive breastfeeding is generally influenced by socio-cultural factors and the limited knowledge of pregnant women regarding its benefits.Purpose: This study aimed to identify the characteristics and knowledge of pregnant women regarding exclusive breastfeeding.Methods: This descriptive quantitative study was conducted from August to September 2024 in Tegallinggah Village, within the Sukasada I Health Center area. A total of 35 pregnant women in their second and third trimesters were included using a total sampling approach. Data on maternal characteristics and knowledge were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using univariate methods to describe frequency distributions.Results: The results showed that the majority of respondents were aged 20–35 years (80%), had secondary education (51.4%), were multigravida (54.3%), were unemployed or housewives (57.1%), and had a sufficient level of knowledge (65.7%).Conclusion: Maternal knowledge is an important factor in the success of exclusive breastfeeding, indicating the need for educational interventions during antenatal care. Knowledge levels substantially influence behavioral changes that support breastfeeding success. Health care providers are expected to take a more active role in delivering information, while mothers are encouraged to enhance their understanding of breastfeeding benefits and techniques to optimize exclusive breastfeeding outcomes. Keywords: Exclusive Breastfeeding, Characteristics, Knowledge]]>
