Successful Design and Assessment of a Breastfeeding Support Program Using Intervention Mapping

To design and test the feasibility of a complex intervention to increase breastfeeding rates and improve clinical practice.

The six-step intervention mapping process was employed: [i] needs assessment, [ii] definition of performance objectives, [iii] selection of methods and applications, [iv] program design, [v] planning for implementation and [vi] planning for evaluation. The Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding served as the foundational framework. During step [i], three pilot studies were conducted. One study involved primiparous mothers: one group received standard care and the other additional breastfeeding information. Two studies examined infant sleep; the first was a focus group with healthcare professionals, analysed through qualitative content analysis and the second randomised families to standard care or sleep education.

The pilot studies [i] showed increased exclusive breastfeeding rates, effective use of sleep-related materials by healthcare professionals and greater parental attunement. Performance objectives [ii] focused on attitudes, skills and norms for professionals and practices and expectations for organisations. Theories [iii] included attachment theory and self-efficacy. Program design [iv] featured parental information and professional training. Implementation [v] and evaluation [vi] used the Ten Steps as indicators.

Intervention Mapping supported the development of a feasible, theory-based breastfeeding support program with contextual relevance.