Development and feasibility of clinical intervention to support breastfeeding in substance dependency

MacVicar, Sonya

Abstract

The promotion and support of breastfeeding for the substance dependent mother and baby is internationally recommended but in practice it is not without its challenges or challengers. This study developed and tested an intervention to support breastfeeding in the maternity setting.
The research identified barriers to breastfeeding continuation as low maternal self-efficacy; physical feeding difficulties associated with neonatal withdrawal and discouraging and judgemental healthcare practices. Using the theoretical concepts of behaviour change an integrated support model founded on practical, informational, psychological, person-centred and environmental components was designed.
A pilot RCT demonstrated the intervention’s feasibility and participant acceptance whilst achieving greater levels of maternal confidence in breastfeeding ability, higher rates of continued breastfeeding and a lesser need for pharmacological management of neonatal withdrawal. The study provided an original contribution in its field and through further research has the potential to address health and social inequalities.

Citation

MacVicar, S. (2017, February). Development and feasibility of clinical intervention to support breastfeeding in substance dependency. Paper presented at Edinburgh Napier University Learning, Teaching and Research conference, Edinburgh, UK

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: Edinburgh Napier University Learning, Teaching and Research conference
• Deposit Date: Aug 16, 2023
• Keywords: Breastfeeding; substance dependency in pregnancy