The Interpretation of Peucicap Culture from the Perspective of Breastfeeding Mothers in Aceh, Indonesia

Abstract

This research investigates the cultural significance of "Peucicap" in the eyes of breastfeeding mothers in the Aceh Province. Peucicap is a distinctive Acehnese tradition involving the introduction of various flavours of food to newborns. This qualitative study involves breastfeeding mothers as participants and utilises in-depth interviews and group discussions to gather data. The research was conducted on Sabang Island from January to September. The results of the data analysis reveal diverse understandings and viewpoints among breastfeeding mothers regarding the meaning of Peucicap.Some mothers view Peucicap as an initial effort to introduce their babies to various food flavours, including sour, salty, and sweet, to enrich their taste senses from an early age. However, some interpretations focus on the traditional and cultural aspects of Peucicap, where this practice is considered an ancestral heritage that must be preserved. In some cases, there is disagreement regarding how Peucicap may affect exclusive breastfeeding, with some breastfeeding mothers expressing concerns that this tradition may interfere with the recommended breastfeeding practices according to health guidelines.These findings illustrate the complexity of integrating local cultural values with global health guidelines in infant care. Furthermore, they underscore the importance of a deeper understanding of culture's role in breastfeeding mothers' decision-making processes concerning infant nutrition and breastfeeding practices. This research provides valuable insights into how breastfeeding mothers in Aceh perceive and interpret the Peucicap culture and how this tradition continues to preserve cultural identity and ancestral heritage amidst changing global health environments.