Amid the pandemic, Soraya and Vidya, the co-founders of DonASI, found themselves scrolling through their phones when they stumbled upon a heartfelt plea from a local mother. She was struggling to provide breast milk for her children, while stories emerged of mothers with an excess supply unsure of what to do with it. This sparked a realisation within Soraya and Vidya that there was a deeper issue at play.

Delving deeper into the matter, they discovered a profound lack of education on the importance of breastfeeding, compounded by social barriers, stigma, and inadequate support that hindered the well-being of infants. Their investigation revealed that even in cases where mothers were unable to provide breast milk due to illness or unfortunate events, formula milk couldn't adequately substitute breast milk, potentially leading to developmental issues.

Breastfeeding remains a global challenge. Merely 44% of infants worldwide receive exclusive breastfeeding in their first six months, as per WHO's 2015-2020 data.^[1] In Indonesia, the rate sinks even lower to a mere 41%. Regrettably, DonASI's research confirms that many mistakenly choose formula milk, unaware of its inadequacy as a breast milk substitute.

Why does formula prevail over breastfeeding in Indonesia? Multiple reasons contribute to this phenomenon. Cultural norms often grant fathers decision-making power, even if they lack awareness of the benefits of breast milk and breastfeeding practices. This easily leads them to choose formula. Some mothers with multiple children claim they can no longer breastfeed, while others see formula milk as a status symbol, unaware of the crucial importance of breast milk. And some simply give up on breastfeeding and opt for formula instead.

This trend emphasizes the ongoing necessity for breast milk and the lack of maternal education and equity in breastfeeding. Exclusive breastfeeding is crucial for infants' healthy development, particularly in underserved areas at risk of stunted growth.

DonASI was established as a social startup with the aim of bridging the gap between those who have excess supply and those who need breast milk for their children. The startup operates through a user-friendly digital platform, prioritizing safety and privacy through a meticulous curation process. By offering comprehensive services such as donor search, registration, delivery, education, consultation, and community engagement, DonASI empowers women and ensures they have access to the information and support they need. Their mission is to increase exclusive breastfeeding rates in Indonesia, preventing stunting and reducing infant mortality.