A complex intervention to support breastfeeding: A feasibility and acceptability study.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Maternal and Child Health
• Intervention Studies

Background:

• A multicomponent intervention was developed to support breastfeeding women and their families.
• This pilot study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03944642.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the acceptability and feasibility of a multicomponent intervention for breastfeeding support.
• To explore the intervention's effectiveness on breastfeeding rates, maternal self-efficacy, and postpartum depression risk.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study utilized a complex intervention framework with control and intervention groups in two primary healthcare centers.
• 44 women, their partners/relatives, and 20 healthcare professionals participated.
• Feasibility, acceptability, exclusive breastfeeding rates, maternal and professional self-efficacy, and postpartum depression risk were measured.

Main Results:

• The intervention was found to be feasible and acceptable to participants.
• No significant differences in self-efficacy were observed between the intervention and control groups.
• Preliminary positive effects were noted in exclusive breastfeeding percentages and reduced postpartum depression risk within the intervention group.

Conclusions:

• The multicomponent intervention is feasible and acceptable for supporting breastfeeding women and their families.
• The intervention shows promising potential for enhancing breastfeeding maintenance and preventing postpartum depression, particularly relevant during pandemics.
• Further research is warranted to confirm these preliminary findings and optimize the intervention.