Supporting breastfeeding In Local Communities (SILC): protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Maternal and Child Health
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Exclusive breastfeeding rates remain below WHO recommendations despite known health benefits.
• Early postpartum breastfeeding support may enhance breastfeeding maintenance.
• This trial evaluates community-based interventions in Victoria, Australia to increase breastfeeding duration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of two community-based interventions aimed at increasing breastfeeding duration.
• To assess the impact of home-based support and additional drop-in center access on breastfeeding maintenance.
• To identify strategies for improving breastfeeding rates in areas with historically low performance.

Main Methods:

• A three-arm cluster randomized controlled trial in Victorian Local Government Areas (LGAs).
• Interventions included standard care, home-based support by trained nurses, and home-based support plus community drop-in centers.
• Primary outcome: proportion of infants breastfed at four months, assessed via routine data and surveys.

Main Results:

• The study aims to determine if interventions increase breastfeeding duration.
• Effectiveness will be measured by comparing breastfeeding rates across the three trial arms.
• Data collection includes routine maternal and child health records and participant surveys.

Conclusions:

• This research will ascertain if targeted, early breastfeeding support improves breastfeeding duration.
• The findings will inform the efficacy of home-based interventions and community support models.
• Results will guide future public health strategies for promoting breastfeeding in low-rate areas.