Effect of Antenatal Milk Expression on Breastfeeding Outcomes Among Overweight and Obese Women

Detailed Summary

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to examine the impact of a remotely-delivered antenatal milk expression (AME) intervention versus an attention control condition on breastfeeding outcomes among a sample of 280 nulliparous, non-diabetic women with pre-pregnancy body mass indices ≥ 25. AME involves milk expression and collection in the third pregnancy trimester and is theorized to address multiple barriers to breastfeeding among women with higher BMI, including impaired breastfeeding self-efficacy, insufficient milk supply (critical period endocrine modulation of milk volume), and early formula supplementation in the context of a medically complex birth (availability of banked antenatal milk). Participants will be enrolled in their third trimester of pregnancy and allocated into one of two study arms: 1) AME instruction delivered by remote, live International Board Certified Lactation Consultants via an innovative app-based telelactation platform; or 2) an attention control condition (video-based infant care education unrelated to infant feeding). Video-based education for both groups will occur in weekly study visits from 37 to 40 weeks gestation, with women in the intervention group continuing AME 1-2 times per day at home. Measured outcomes of interest will include short and long-term breastfeeding practices (e.g., breastfeeding duration, exclusivity) and participants' experiences with and perceptions of AME.

Study Details

Timeline

Interventions