Evaluation of the Breastfeeding Support project in the Better Start Bradford area
This study is evaluating a special breastfeeding support program in the Better Start Bradford area. Researchers want to see if mums who received help from this program continued breastfeeding their babies for longer — specifically at 6 to 8 weeks and 6 months after birth — compared to similar mums who didn't get support. It's known that breastfeeding has many benefits, but the UK has low rates, and many mums stop sooner than they'd like. The program connected mums with trained workers who offered support in person, by phone, or video. The study is using existing health records, not collecting new information, to compare different groups of mums. It will also look at whether the COVID-19 pandemic, which changed how support was given, affected the program's success and if it offers good value for money. The goal is to help local services decide if this type of support should continue or grow.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is looking at a special program in the Better Start Bradford area designed to help new mothers with breastfeeding. Many mums want to breastfeed, but sometimes they stop earlier than they planned, often because they don't get enough support at the right time. This program aims to change that by providing friendly help from trained breastfeeding support workers.
The main aim of this research is to see if mothers who took part in this support program breastfed for longer – specifically for 6 to 8 weeks and then up to 6 months – compared to other mums who were similar but didn't get the support. Researchers are also interested in whether the support helped with exclusive breastfeeding (meaning babies only had breast milk), if changes during the COVID-19 pandemic affected the program's success, and if certain things like language or needing an interpreter made a difference. They'll also consider the cost of the program versus the health benefits to decide if it's good value for money.
To do this research, scientists are using health information that's already been collected. They're not asking mothers to do anything new. They are using records from a big project called Born in Bradford’s Better Start (BiBBS), which has been following mothers and babies for many years. By carefully comparing existing information from mums who got the support with similar mums who didn't, the study hopes to understand how effective the breastfeeding program has been. This will help doctors, nurses, and local services decide the best ways to support new mothers in the future.
Key takeaways
- The study evaluates a breastfeeding support program in Bradford.
- It aims to see if the program helps mothers breastfeed for longer.
- Researchers are using existing health records, not collecting new data.
- There are no direct risks or new benefits for individuals in this study.
- Findings will help local services decide on future breastfeeding support.
- The study includes mothers over 18 who engaged with the support program.
Who may be eligible?
This study is reviewing information from mothers who took part in the Breastfeeding Support program in the Better Start Bradford area. To be included, mothers must have been at least 18 years old and had at least one contact with the support program.
They also needed to have completed a specific signup questionnaire for the Born in Bradford’s Better Start (BiBBS) study, which collected their initial consent and health information. Importantly, neither the mother nor her baby could have been admitted to intensive care (ICU or NICU) after the birth. If a mother or baby did not meet these points, their information is not included in this particular evaluation.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you a mother over 18 years old?
- Did you receive support from the Breastfeeding Support program in Better Start Bradford?
- Did you complete the initial 'Born in Bradford's Better Start (BiBBS)' signup questionnaire?
- Neither you nor your baby needed intensive care (ICU/NICU) after birth.
What does participation involve?
You won't be actively participating in this study yourself, as researchers are not collecting any new information. Instead, they are using existing records from a large, long-term project called Born in Bradford’s Better Start (BiBBS). This means the study involves looking at information already gathered from questionnaires you may have filled in during pregnancy, records from the Breastfeeding Support program you might have used, and feeding notes from your health visitor appointments. Your participation would have been in the original BiBBS study and the Breastfeeding Support program itself.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Better Start BradfordCity onlyBradford, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is this study trying to find out?
It wants to know if a special breastfeeding support program in Bradford helped new mums breastfeed for longer (6-8 weeks and 6 months) compared to those who didn't get this support.
Do I need to do anything for this study?
No, you don't. Researchers are using existing health records, not collecting new information from anyone.
Who is included in this study?
It includes mothers over 18 from the Better Start Bradford area who used the breastfeeding support program, completed an initial questionnaire, and neither they nor their baby needed intensive care after birth.
How long will this study last?
The study began in November 2015 and is expected to finish in March 2024.
Who is paying for this research?
The study is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund in the UK.
How to find out more
Maria Bryant
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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