This research tested the effectiveness of Global Health Media Project videos to improve the training programs provided to breastfeeding peer counselors in Malaysia.

The study was done in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2015. The Malaysia Breastfeeding Peer Counsellors (MBFPC) had already developed a training program that was adapted from an original curriculum by La Leche League International. In an effort to further improve this training program, MBFPC incorporate GHMP videos into their training, both to teach counselors and give counselors tools they can share with mothers.

The participants included 38 peer counselors. They were given baseline pre-test assessments, followed by three days of lectures and hands-on training that included watching eight GHMP breastfeeding videos. After these trainings, the participants were involved in practical sessions over the next two months that included observing and helping at least four breastfeeding mothers. Participants then returned for post-assessment evaluations that included testing, field experience surveys, and focus group discussions.

All participants in the study agreed that the videos made the training more effective, helped change their understanding and approach to counseling, and wanted to share the videos with other mothers.

The full article (“Breastfeeding Videos as a New Training Tool for Malaysian Breastfeeding Peer Counsellor Program in Empowering Breastfeeding Communities” by Ezura Madiana Md Monoto and Nor Kamariah Mohamad Alwi) is available at this link. It was published in International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2017, Volume 17 Special Issue 1.