The Effectiveness of Lactation Counseling on Reducing Formula Milk Feeding in Infants

The use of formula milk for infants is still common in the early stages of life and has the potential to hinder successful breastfeeding, even though the benefits of breast milk have been widely proven. Education and lactation counseling are considered important strategies to support breastfeeding practices and reduce the unnecessary use of formula milk. However, empirical evidence on the effectiveness of lactation counseling in reducing the intensity of formula milk use is still limited, especially in the context of primary health care in Indonesia. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of lactation counseling in reducing the intensity of formula feeding in infants. This study uses a quantitative approach with a one-group pretest–posttest pre-experimental design. The sample consisted of 20 mothers who had infants and met the inclusion criteria in the Popayato Community Health Center working area, selected using total sampling technique. The intervention took the form of structured lactation counseling provided by health workers. The intensity of formula feeding was measured before and after the intervention using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis was performed descriptively and bivariately using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. The results showed a decrease in the intensity of formula feeding after lactation counseling. The Wilcoxon test showed a significant difference between the intensity of formula feeding before and after education (p = 0.000). Lactation counseling was proven to be effective in reducing the intensity of formula feeding in infants. This educational intervention has the potential to be an important promotional strategy in maternal and child health services to support more optimal breastfeeding practices..