Feasibility and Effectiveness of WhatsApp Online Group on Breastfeeding by Peer Counsellors.

Due the uncertainty of the pandemic wave and government restrictions that may affect health care services and behaviour, alternative mhealth strategies should be explored to identify breastfeeding support or problems early to prevent subsequent cessation that may affect mother and child health. It is also important to understand the feasibility of a WhatsApp online group on breastfeeding by peer counsellors during postnatal period and the acceptability of such intervention. Therefore this study will provide preliminary information necessary for implementation of a full RCT of mhealth intervention in the future. The aim of this study is to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of a WhatsApp online peer support group program in improving breastfeeding practices. There have been no published studies that have examined the feasibility and acceptability of a Whatsapp online group on breastfeeding for postnatal women in Hong Kong. Given the significant pandemic problem that may affect health services and health behavior of pregnant women, the proposed study will contribute substantial new information about the feasibility and potential implications for future care pathways for postnatal women. Such information will be invaluable to public health professional working to breastfeeding promotion and to health policy makers in setting institutional policies.