<![CDATA[Background: The exclusive breastfeeding coverage rate in North Sumatra Province reached only 57.27%, remaining below the national target of 60%. Breastfeeding failure is often attributed to low maternal self-confidence and postpartum fatigue. Oukup is a traditional practice of the Karo people rooted in local wisdom believed to restore a mother’s stamina after childbirth and provide comfort. Purpose: To determine the effect of Oukup on breastfeeding self-efficacy and the adequacy of breast milk flow among breastfeeding mothers at the Simalingkar Community Health Center. Method: A quantitative, quasi- experimental design with pre-test and post-test measurements was employed. The sample consisted of 40 breastfeeding mothers in the postpartum period, selected via purposive sampling and divided into two groups: intervention group and control group. Data were collected using questionnaires and observation sheets. Results: Wilcoxon test results for the intervention group showed that all participants experienced an increase in breastfeeding self-efficacy (BSE) scores from 42.35% to 56.75% and an improvement in breast milk flow adequacy from 7.35% to 13.80%, with a significant p-value of 0.001 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Oukup steam therapy, a traditional Karo practice, was found to enhance breastfeeding self‑efficacy and improve breast milk flow among postpartum mothers. While promising as a culturally rooted complementary intervention, its broader application requires validation through larger, randomized, multi‑site studies with longer follow‑up.]]>
Copyrights © 2026
