Design and Piloting of a Complex Intervention to Support Breastfeeding Self-efficacy (CRIAA Program)

Breastfeeding as a Health-promoting Behavior: Design and Piloting of a Complex Intervention to Support Breastfeeding Self-efficacy: CRIAA Program

The aim of the study is to design and pilot the effect of a complex intervention to support mothers' breastfeeding self-efficacy and professional self-efficacy to support breastfeeding families, considering breastfeeding as a health promoting behavior. Specific objectives are the evaluation of feasibility and acceptability of the intervention, and estimate the preliminary effect on maternal and professional self-efficacy.

Breastfeeding is the optimal feeding during early childhood. However, the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding is not as expected. The evidence of effectiveness of interventions designed to support breastfeeding is not conclusive. Breastfeeding is a complex experience, influenced by numerous factors, as self-efficacy, that require interdisciplinary approaches.The aim of the study is to design and pilot the effect of a complex intervention to support mothers' breastfeeding self-efficacy and professional self-efficacy to support breastfeeding families, considering breastfeeding as a health promoting behavior. The project will be done in two stages a) design of the intervention and b) experimental pilot trial with control and intervention groups, for evaluation of feasibility, acceptability of the intervention and preliminary estimate of its effect on maternal and professional self-efficacy. The project will be carry out in two public outpatient clinics (Centro de Salud Familiar Alberto Hurtado y Centro de Salud Familiar Juan Pablo II) in Santiago, Chile. Participants will be breastfeeding women and their partner/family member; and health professionals who provide care to mother and child. Intervention group will receive a breastfeeding workshop during the third trimester of pregnancy and on-line breastfeeding support during the first 6 months postpartum. Health professionals will be train to deliver the intervention.Control group will receive the standard care as provided in the outpatient clinic.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being in physiological pregnancy in the third trimester
• Speak Spanish
• Give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pathology during pregnancy that entails difficulties for breastfeeding
• Multiple pregnancy
• Breastfeeding especial situations (cleft lip and palate, congenital heart disease and newborn's hospitalization)
• Preterm birth (at <37 weeks gestation)