The ABA intervention for improving breastfeeding initiation and continuation: Feasibility study results

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Maternal and Child Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• The UK faces low breastfeeding rates, exacerbated by socioeconomic disparities.
• The Assets-based feeding help Before and After birth (ABA) intervention was developed to be inclusive and enhance infant feeding practices.
• ABA utilizes a behavior change wheel and an assets-based approach, incorporating tools like the Genogram.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of delivering the ABA intervention within a randomized controlled trial (RCT) setting.
• To evaluate recruitment and follow-up rates in a diverse population, including teenage mothers.
• To gather data for a future definitive trial on infant feeding behaviors.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 103 nulliparous women (≥16 years) from two English sites.
• Intervention delivered by trained Infant Feeding Helpers (IFHs) via face-to-face, telephone, and text from 30-weeks gestation to 5-months postnatal.
• Mixed-methods process evaluation including qualitative interviews, IFH logs, and fidelity checks.

Main Results:

• Successful recruitment of women, including teenagers from disadvantaged areas.
• Postnatal follow-up rates were 68.0% (3-days), 85.4% (8-weeks), and 80.6% (6-months).
• High breastfeeding prevalence at 8-weeks (95.1%) using routine data; intervention was acceptable with adequate fidelity and minimal harm.

Conclusions:

• The ABA intervention is feasible for delivery within a randomized controlled trial.
• The study supports the need for a definitive trial to confirm the intervention's effectiveness.
• The ABA intervention shows promise for improving infant feeding behaviors in diverse populations.