Breastfeeding Education and Support Trial for Obese Women (BESTOW)

University of Connecticut206 enrolled

Overview

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a specialized exclusive breastfeeding education and support program targeting obese, pregnant, low-income women in Hartford, CT. Specifically, the investigators will evaluate the impact of the intervention on exclusive and partial breastfeeding rates at birth, 1, 3 and 6 months pp. Secondary aims of this study are: a) to characterize postpartum weight loss patterns and blood pressure values of obese women, by study group; and b) to evaluate potential differences in infant morbidity (diarrhea, otitis media and rehospitalization), by study group.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

206

Conditions

Exclusive Breastfeeding Breastfeeding Initiation

Interventions

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * obese (prepregnant BMI 27.0 or greater) * pregnant women delivering at Hartford Hospital * no more than 34 weeks gestation * considering breastfeeding this child * low income (\<185% Federal poverty level) * planning to remain in the greater Hartford area for 6 months postpartum * must have access to a telephone for follow-up interviews * delivery of a healthy, term, singleton Exclusion Criteria: * HIV positive or having other conditions which interfere with exclusive breastfeeding * Infant admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Exclusive Breastfeeding Rate

Time frame: 3 months postpartum

Secondary Outcomes

Breastfeeding Rate