A Randomized Controlled Trial of an Antenatal Intervention to Increase Exclusive Breastfeeding

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The investigators will conduct an educational intervention for pregnant women who are planning to breastfeed to promote exclusive breastfeeding and to increase the duration of breastfeeding.

Detailed Description
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The intervention will include a 20 to 30-minute one-to-one educational talk by a lactation expert explaining the facts of breastfeeding and answering participant questions. The educational intervention will focus on: (1) the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, (2) milk supply/demand and feeding on demand, (3) frequency of feedings, feeding cues, how to know an infant is getting enough milk, (4) avoiding artificial nipples until the infant is nursing well, (5) the importance of a good latch, (5) where to seek breastfeeding help and support, and (7) returning to work and continuing breastfeeding.

Official Title
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A Randomized Controlled Trial of an Antenatal Intervention to Increase Exclusive Breastfeeding

Conditions
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Breastfeeding, Pregnancy

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Antenatal Breastfeeding Intervention


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: singleton pregnancy, primiparous 18 years of age or older, at least 36 weeks of gestation, Cantonese speaking, Hong Kong resident, no serious medical or obstetrical complications, staying in Hong Kong for at least 6 months after delivery, and intention to breastfeed. Exclusion Criteria: Participants will be excluded from the study if they are not entitled to health benefits in Hong Kong (NEP).

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| No Intervention: Control<br>Usual outpatient antenatal care consists of routine checking of the maternal and foetal health by either clinic midwives or obstetricians along with health education to promote a healthy pregnancy. | |
| Experimental: Antenatal Breastfeeding Intervention<br>Antenatal intervention group will receive usual care plus a 20 to 30-minute one-to-one educational intervention about breastfeeding. | Other: Antenatal Breastfeeding Intervention<br>* The intervention will include a 20 to 30-minute one-to-one educational talk by a lactation expert explaining the facts of breastfeeding and answering participant questions. The educational intervention will focus on: (1) the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, (2) milk supply/demand and feeding on demand, (3) frequency of feedings, feeding cues, how to know an infant is getting enough milk, (4) avoiding artificial nipples until the infant is nursing well, (5) the importance of a good latch, (5) where to seek breastfeeding help and support, and (7) returning to work and continuing breastfeeding<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Exclusive Breastfeeding Rate | Exclusive breastfeeding rate at 6 weeks postpartum | 6 weeks postpartum | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Median Duration of Breastfeeding | The median duration of exclusive breastfeeding and the median duration of any breastfeeding | 6 months postpartum | 
| Exclusive Breastfeeding Rate at 3 Months and 6 Months Postpartum | Rate of Exclusive Breastfeeding at 3 Months and 6 Months Postpartum | 6 Months Postpartum | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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breastfeeding, pregnancy, antenatal, exclusive breastfeeding, education