Resource type:
Advocacy and policy
A randomized controlled trial in Malaysia evaluating telephone-based breastfeeding peer-counselor support. The study (n=210) found that mothers who received structured peer-counselor calls at 72 hours, 2 weeks, 1, 2, 4 and 6 months postpartum had significantly higher exclusive breastfeeding rates at 6 months (46.7% vs. 32.1% in control) and higher overall breastfeeding duration. Mothers also reported high satisfaction with peer-counselor support, with most stating it helped them reach their breastfeeding goals and that they would recommend the service. The study concludes that peer-counselor support is effective, well-accepted, and should be expanded to improve breastfeeding outcomes in Malaysia.