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

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Maternal and Child Health
• Health Behavior Interventions

Background:

• Low breastfeeding rates and suboptimal clinical practices necessitate effective interventions.
• There is a need for theory-based, feasible programs to support breastfeeding.
• Existing frameworks like the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding can guide intervention development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and assess the feasibility of a complex intervention aimed at increasing breastfeeding rates.
• To improve clinical practices related to breastfeeding support.
• To utilize the Intervention Mapping framework for program development.

Main Methods:

• Employed the six-step Intervention Mapping process: needs assessment, objective definition, method selection, program design, implementation planning, and evaluation planning.
• Conducted three pilot studies, including one with primiparous mothers comparing standard care with additional breastfeeding information.
• Utilized qualitative content analysis and randomized controlled trials to examine infant sleep and parental responses.

Main Results:

• Pilot studies indicated increased exclusive breastfeeding rates and enhanced parental attunement.
• Healthcare professionals demonstrated effective use of sleep-related materials.
• Defined performance objectives focused on professional attitudes, skills, norms, and organizational practices.

Conclusions:

• Intervention Mapping proved effective in developing a feasible, theory-based breastfeeding support program.
• The program demonstrated contextual relevance for improving breastfeeding support.
• The findings support the utility of a structured approach for designing health interventions.