Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program in Malaysia: Impact on Breastfeeding Duration and Exclusivity

Abstract

Background: The Malaysian Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Association (MBfPCA) is a pioneer non-governmental organization (NGO) of trained breastfeeding peer counselors in Malaysia. We explored the effect of peer counseling support on breastfeeding outcomes among postnatal mothers who delivered at a national tertiary teaching hospital and their satisfaction with the peer counseling services.Method: A total of 210 postpartum mothers were recruited in a single-blinded, randomized, controlled trial. Block randomization was used to allocate the participants into the intervention (I) group (n=105), who received telephone-based peer counseling support at 72 hours, 2 weeks, 1, 2, 4 and 6 months postpartum; and the control (C) group (n=105), who received routine breastfeeding advice. The infant feeding practices information was obtained at 2, 4 and 6 months postpartum from both groups. Data on maternal satisfaction with peer counseling services was acquired from the intervention group participants 6 months postpartum.Results: Ninety-four mothers were lost to follow up, leaving 116 (I=60, C=56) for analysis. The number of participants who practiced exclusive breastfeeding was higher in the intervention group at all intervals, with significant difference seen at 6 months postpartum (p = 0.035). Significant differences were also seen in the prevalence of breastfeeding between the groups at 4 and 6 months postpartum (p = 0.017 and p = 0.010). All participants who practiced exclusive breastfeeding found that peer counselors helped them reach their breastfeeding goals (p =0.001) and would recommend peer counseling services to others (p = 0.037).Conclusion: Peer counselor support in Malaysia increased the duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding and was well accepted among postnatal mothers.