The practice of distance lactation counseling by peer counselors

Introduction: Handling the COVID-19 pandemic has consumed the time and energy of every health worker. Empowering the role of peer counselors through the deployment of distance lactation counseling is the key to maintaining the services. Furthermore, counseling is implemented frequently and for a long duration. Therefore, the cost of accessing the media and internet connection plays an important role in implementing distance counseling. This study aimed to reduce the duration and frequency of distance lactation counseling using a combination of WhatsApp and linktr.ee media. Methods: The method used was a quasi-experimental post-test group design with a case study approach. The population consists of 40 peer counselors in Kampung ASI, Wonokromo Village. Additionally, the sample size used is the total population. The difference in duration and frequency of lactation counseling is tested using the independent sample t-test. Results: There was a significant difference between the duration and frequency of counseling in the two groups, with a p-value = 0.000 <0.05. Longer duration and high frequency were observed in the implementation of individual counseling using WhatsApp media, with a mean difference (95% CI) for the duration and frequency at 46.4 and 1.7, respectively. Conclusion: Counseling media equipped with video recordings of materials can reduce the duration and frequency, hence, counselees can learn independently according to their needs and only discuss things they do not understand with counselors. It also reduces media access costs for peer counselors recruited with minimal salaries.