Abstract
Objective: The first 1000 days of life are a critical period. Therefore, EBF (exclusive breastfeeding) and infant stimulation are crucial in determining short- and long-term life quality. The EBF has not reached the expected target. The research objective was to determine the effect of women's religious organizations' support model on maternal skills in providing breastfeeding and infant stimulation practices. Methods: This research used a quasi-experimental method with pre-and post-control design. The samples consisted of 210 pregnant women, selected based on the Cluster Sampling technique. Based on the cluster sampling technique, they were divided into 105 pregnant women > 38 weeks (intervention area), and 105 pregnant women> 38 weeks (control area). The intervention group attended a workshop on EB, breastfeeding, breastfeeding based on religious, moral teaching, and infant stimulation under the guidance of the trained cadres of Aisyiyah organization. The cadres assisted them until the baby was six months. Data were collected by questionnaire and observation sheet. Data were analyzed by using t-test and multiple linear regression models (ANCOVA). Most of mothers involved in the intervention group had knowledge on EBF and breastfeeding in 27.6 units better (b = 27.6; p = 0.001), breast care skills in 38.17 units better (b = 38.17; p = 0.001), breastfeeding skills in 34.15 units better (b = 34.15; p = 0.001), skills for lactation 35.39 units better (b = 35.39; p = 0.001), mother's attitude 24.36 units better (b = 24.36; p = 0.001), knowledge regarding infant stimulation in 34.89 units better (b = 34.89; p = 0.001), infant stimulation skills 0-3 months in 35.6 units better (b = 35.6; p = 0.001), infant stimulation skills 3-6 months 31.76 units better ( b = 31.76; p = 0.001), and statistically these were significant.The women’s religious organization support model, which comprises community health workers training, lactating mothers training, and advocacy, effectively improves maternal skills in the practice of EBF and infant stimulation.

Key words: Training, workshops, lactation management, infant stimulation.