Part 1: training of selected positive deviant mothers
PD
Village leaders, women’s representatives, and health development army leaders suggested a total of 31 eligible PD mothers. Among them, 22 fulfill the requirement both at the mother’s and child’s sides. A two-week comprehensive training was provided to the mother based on the manual prepared for the training. The purpose of the training was to enrich the tacit knowledge they have about the recommended infant and young child feeding practices (IYCFP). PD plays a vital role in their communities by serving as counselors for infant and young child feeding (IYCF) and supporting group leaders. Equipped with practical knowledge, positive attitudes, and a strong sense of self-efficacy, these mothers effectively provide guidance, lead support groups, and engage in productive discussions with other mothers to encourage the adoption of the recommended IYCFP.The key messages of the training session are as follows: optimal IYCFP, proper attachment of the breast to the child, and how to express and store breast milk. Regarding complementary feeding, we also conducted a cooking demonstration to teach people how to prepare and incorporate different types of locally accessible foods into homemade complementary meals. After the training, all PD mothers received a copy of the information education material prepared for the sessions, while the manual prepared for this training was given at the beginning of the training.The instructional strategies delivered included direct, interactive, participatory, and experience-sharing activities. These strategies aimed to enhance knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy through various methods such as talks, group discussions, experience sharing, group work exercises, demonstrations, role-play, storytelling, and problem-solving. The intervention’s key message focused on specific topics related to breastfeeding, such as the importance of early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding. It also addressed issues surrounding complementary feeding, including dietary diversity, minimum food frequency, and the appropriate time to start introducing complementary foods (