Effectiveness of Online Peer Support on Self-Efficacy and Breast Milk Adequacy

Exclusive breastfeeding remains a global public health priority, yet breastfeeding support gaps persist during the early postpartum period. Globally, only 48% of infants under six months were exclusively breastfed in 2023, indicating that more than half did not meet the recommended exclusive breastfeeding practice. In Indonesia, 68.6% of infants aged 0–5 months were exclusively breastfed in 2023, while 55.5% received exclusive breastfeeding for six months, indicating a continuing gap in sustained exclusive breastfeeding. Early postpartum challenges, including concerns about insufficient breast milk and low maternal confidence, may further affect breastfeeding continuation. This study examined the effectiveness of online peer support on breastfeeding self-efficacy and breast milk adequacy among postpartum mothers. A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control group design was conducted involving 40 postpartum mothers recruited from independent midwife practices in Lampung, Indonesia. Participants were allocated to an intervention group receiving structured online peer support through a messaging platform for four weeks or a control group receiving standard postpartum care. Breastfeeding self-efficacy was assessed using a validated breastfeeding self-efficacy scale, while breast milk adequacy was assessed using predefined clinical indicators of adequate breastfeeding rather than expressed milk volume alone. Statistical analyses included independent and paired t-tests, Pearson correlation, multiple linear regression, path analysis, and power analysis. The intervention group showed significantly greater improvement in breastfeeding self-efficacy and breast milk adequacy than the control group. Breastfeeding self-efficacy and breast milk adequacy were strongly positively correlated (r = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.53–0.84). Regression analysis showed that online peer support significantly predicted breastfeeding outcomes. These findings suggest that structured online peer support may strengthen breastfeeding self-efficacy and support adequate breastfeeding among postpartum mothers.