Cognitive-behavioral Intervention to Increase the Practice of Responsive Feeding and Maintain Healthy Weight in Infants

Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention Targeting Mothers to Increase Practice of Responsive Feeding and Maintain Healthy Weight in Infants Minors

Introduction: Childhood overweight and obesity in Mexico is a serious public health problem. Perceptive eating is a factor in the prevention of obesity and occurs when the caregiver recognizes the signs of hunger and satiety, responds in a timely manner to these needs. However, its implementation is often a challenge for parents. Studies show that there is low knowledge and self-efficacy, as well as erroneous beliefs about food. Teaching perceptive eating can lead to: the development of healthy eating habits, generate warm environments in which the interaction between parents and children is strengthened and promote self-regulation of hunger and satiety sensations and prevent overweight and obesity. Interventions on Responsive Feeding for the prevention of healthy weight in infants under six months of age are null in Mexico. Objective: To evaluate the effect of the intervention: "Identify and Respond" aimed at Mexican mothers to increase the practice of Responsive Feeding and maintain a healthy weight in children under 6 months of age. Methodology: The present study will be a pilot clinical trial type intervention study because the preliminary effect will be evaluated where the Experimental Group will receive the intervention aimed at increasing the practice of Responsive Feeding , there will be randomization of repeated measurements by virtue of which measurements will be made at three times: before the intervention (baseline) and follow-up (post-test 3 and 6 months later). The sample consisted of 72 mothers with children younger than 6 months for each group (N=144).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Mother/child dyad, apparently healthy.
• Minimum of 12 hours postpartum and/or cesarean section.
• Mother who knows how to read and write.
• Mother who has a smartphone.
• Mother with internet access.
• Mother who agrees to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Hospital stay of the mother/child dyad for more than 7 days after birth.
• Child-related exclusions:
• Gestational age under 37 weeks (SDG).
• Presence of a congenital anomaly.
• Physical disability that could affect feeding (e.g., cleft palate, cleft lip).
• Low birth weight (< 2,500 g).