Community counselling to strengthen breastfeeding support during World Breastfeeding Week 2026 at Taman Kebun Bunga Medan

Abstract

Accessible breastfeeding support is needed during pregnancy and after childbirth. This community service article describes a breastfeeding education and counselling activity organised by the Medan Branch of the Indonesian Breastfeeding Counsellors Association during World Breastfeeding Week 2026. The activity took place on August 2, 2026, at Taman Kebun Bunga Medan. The wider programme ran simultaneously in nine cities: Tangerang Selatan, Surakarta, Medan, Bandung, Malang, Denpasar, Bekasi, Cirebon, and Dumai. The stages included morning exercise, a discussion on breastfeeding support, leaflet distribution, a quiz, and counselling. The team included five lactation counsellors, two midwives, and seven Midwifery Professional Programme students serving as volunteers. A total of 28 women attended: 12 pregnant women at 23–38 weeks of gestation and 16 breastfeeding mothers or mothers with children aged 0–2 years. Participants differed in prior breastfeeding experience; some described a history of mastitis, breast engorgement, or limited family support. During the activity, participants gave feedback, joined the quiz, and responded positively to the counselling and leaflet distribution. The team considered their understanding and readiness for breastfeeding to have improved based on these interactions. Because no structured baseline, post-activity scores, or follow-up data were recorded, the magnitude and persistence of change cannot be determined. No participant reported a special condition requiring additional management during the event. Community counselling offered a direct opportunity for mothers to discuss breastfeeding concerns. Future activities should document counselling contacts and use a simple, consistent assessment to clarify participant outcomes.