A Participatory, Needs-Based Approach to Breastfeeding Training for Confinement Centres

Siew Cheng Foong (), Wai Cheng Foong, May Loong Tan, Jacqueline J. Ho and Amal Omer-Salim
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Siew Cheng Foong: Department of Paediatrics, RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus (Formerly Penang Medical College), George Town 10450, Malaysia
Wai Cheng Foong: Department of Paediatrics, RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus (Formerly Penang Medical College), George Town 10450, Malaysia
May Loong Tan: Department of Paediatrics, RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus (Formerly Penang Medical College), George Town 10450, Malaysia
Jacqueline J. Ho: Department of Paediatrics, RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus (Formerly Penang Medical College), George Town 10450, Malaysia
Amal Omer-Salim: World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action, George Town 10850, Malaysia

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 17, 1-12

Abstract: With a focus on traditional practices rather than evidence-based practices, breastfeeding support is sub-optimal in confinement centres (CCs). We used a participatory, needs-based approach to develop a training module for CC staff adopting Kern’s six-step approach as our conceptual framework. Of 46 identified CCs, 25 accepted our invitation to a dialogue aimed at establishing relationships and understanding their needs. An interactive training workshop was developed from the dialogue’s findings. The workshop, attended by 32 CCs (101 participants), was conducted four times over a four-month period. Questions raised by the participants reflected deficits in understanding breastfeeding concepts and erroneous cultural beliefs. Correct answers rose from 20% pre-test to 51% post-test. Post-workshop feedback showed that participants appreciated the safe environment to ask questions, raise concerns and correct misconceptions. An interview conducted 14 months later showed that while some CCs improved breastfeeding support, others made no change due to conflict between breastfeeding and traditional postnatal practices, which was aggravated by a lack of support due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A participatory approach established a trustful learning environment, helping CCs appreciate the value of learning and adopting new concepts. However, cultural perceptions take time to change, hence continuous training and support are vital for sustained changes.

Keywords: breastfeeding training; confinement centre; participatory approach; needs-based approach; dialogue; Chinese; Malaysia; support; cultural factors; traditional practices (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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