Trialling an expressed breast milk management video for pregnant women in Indonesia

Abstract

Background/Aims The rate of exclusive breastfeeding among working mothers is low, and can be attributed to the perception of inadequate breast milk, lack of knowledge about expression, limited time to express and lack of support from workplace leaders. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of educational videos on milk management in improving working women's knowledge, attitudes and self-efficacy in expressing breast milk. Methods This study used a quasi-experimental design, with a sample of 100 participants selected for a cluster randomised trial. The intervention group (n=50) watched educational videos on expressed breast milk and were mentored through a WhatsApp group, while the control group (n=50) received regular education for pregnant women working in urban areas. Data on the participants knowledge, attitude and self-efficacy were collected via questionnaires both before and after the intervention. The data were analysed using the Mann-Whitney test. Results The intervention group had higher knowledge, attitude and self-efficacy scores after watching the educational videos and being mentored (P=0.001). Conclusions Educational videos and mentoring can be used by healthcare professionals to provide education and support for working women, to encourage breast milk expression and exclusive breastfeeding.