Implementation of the Combination of Lactation Management and Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) Training for Village Midwives in the Sawit and Ngemplak Sub-districts, Boyolali, Indonesia

The incidence of low birth weight (LBW) in the Boyolali region of Indonesia in 2013 was 15.3 per 1000 live births, while the exclusive breastfeeding coverage was only 51.3%. To resolve these problems, capacity building among midwives, through a combination of lactation management and kangaroo mother care (KMC) training, was required. The purpose of this study was to describe village midwives' experiences one month after attending the above training. This study used a quasi-experimental design with a rapid assessment procedure (RAP). Data collection was done through in-depth interviews. The informants of this study were four village midwives and pregnant and lactating women (one each). The results showed that, after one month of training, the informants had some competence in both lactation management and KMC skills. However, some informants reported some difficulties in counseling regarding breastfeeding problems. This was primarily caused by the fact that the participants did not have in-depth knowledge related to breastfeeding counseling. Breastfeeding counseling materials were not included in the above training curriculum; therefore, it is suggested that these be included in future lactation management and KMC training programs.