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

Aims The aims of this study are to assess the acceptability and feasibility of a multicomponent intervention to support breastfeeding women and their families and explore its effectiveness. Methods A pilot study with control and intervention groups was conducted using the complex intervention framework in two primary healthcare centres. Overall, 44 childbearing women, their partners/relatives and 20 healthcare professionals participated in the study. The intervention's feasibility and acceptability were measured. The percentage of exclusive breastfeeding rates and women's self‐efficacy were measured at pre‐intervention, at 10 days postpartum, and again at 2, 4 and 6 months postpartum. Postpartum depression risk was measured at 2 and 6 months postpartum. Professional self‐efficacy was measured at pre‐intervention and 3 months later. Results The intervention was feasible and acceptable. No difference in self‐efficacy existed between the intervention and control groups. Preliminary effects of the intervention were found in exclusive breastfeeding percentage and postpartum depression risk in the intervention group. Conclusion The intervention is feasible and acceptable. The results are promising not only for breastfeeding maintenance but also for preventing postpartum depression and recovering exclusive breastfeeding during pandemics. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03944642. Summary statement What is already known about this topic? Breastfeeding is the gold standard for infant and young child nutrition. However, national and global prevalence is lower than expected. Breastfeeding support has focused on a biomedical approach with a predominantly clinical approach to breastfeeding difficulties. What this paper adds? Establishes an intervention proposal from an integral approach centred on a woman, her child and her family. Considers the perspective of health professionals in relation to their strengths and difficulties in supporting mothers with breastfeeding. Estimates the effect of the intervention on the self‐efficacy of professionals and mothers. The implications of this paper: This intervention was feasible and accepted by participants and health professionals working in primary health care centres. Therefore, the exploratory trial can be subjected to a full trial following the protocol and recommendations from the findings at this stage. Although the effects measurements of the intervention effects are preliminary, they show promising results