RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Peer-Support Breastfeeding Program for Mothers in Severe Socioeconomic Deprivation: Feasibility Study

This study is looking at a new support programme for mothers who are struggling with difficult life situations, such as not having a stable home or being new to the country. We know breastfeeding is really good for both mums and babies, but mothers in tough situations often have less support, making it harder. This programme trains experienced mothers as 'peer supporters' to help new mothers with breastfeeding. The study wants to see how well this support works and how easy it is to put into practice in a maternity hospital. The findings will help improve breastfeeding support for vulnerable mothers in France and potentially elsewhere.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Hospices Civils de Lyon

Enrolment target

Start

01 Dec 2025

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2027

Breastfeeding Breastfeeding Support Health Disparities Health Inequalities

What is this study about?

Breastfeeding offers many wonderful health benefits for both mums and their babies. However, some mums face extra challenges that can make breastfeeding difficult. This is especially true for mothers who are going through tough times, such as those who don't have a stable home, are new to a country, or need to overcome language barriers. These situations can sometimes make them feel alone and without enough information or support.

This study is looking at a special programme called the Relais Allaitement Program (PRALL). It's a support programme where trained volunteer mothers, who have breastfed their own children, offer help and guidance to new mothers. The aim is to adapt this proven programme to better suit the needs of mothers facing severe difficulties who are being cared for at a hospital in France.

The main goal is to see if this adapted programme is practical and if mothers find it helpful. We'll be looking at things like how many support sessions happen, and we'll also chat with mums and peer supporters to understand what helps and what makes things harder. The results will help us improve support for breastfeeding mothers in similar situations in the future.

Key takeaways

This study helps mothers facing tough situations to breastfeed.
It uses trained, experienced mothers (peer supporters) to offer help.
The 1-month support includes at least two in-person meetings.
The aim is to make breastfeeding easier and more successful.
Your experiences will help improve support for other mothers.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a mother with a baby in the hospital, and you need to be planning to breastfeed. You should also be facing difficult life circumstances, such as not having a stable home. You need to be able to understand and speak French, or one of the languages spoken by our peer supporters, so you can communicate easily. You must be at least 18 years old and happy to give your permission to take part.

However, you wouldn't be able to join if your doctor has advised against breastfeeding for medical reasons, or if your baby has a very serious medical condition. Likewise, if you have a severe mental health condition that would make it difficult to take part in the support programme, or if you are under legal guardianship, you wouldn't be eligible.

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 with a baby in the hospital?
Are you planning to breastfeed your baby?
Are you facing difficult life situations?
Are you at least 18 years old?
Can you speak French or one of the languages spoken by the peer supporters?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be offered support from a trained 'peer supporter' after your baby is born. This peer supporter is an experienced mother who has breastfed herself. The support is designed to last for at least one month and will involve at least two in-person meetings with your peer supporter, unless you stop breastfeeding or, sadly, if your baby passes away sooner. We will also ask some of the mothers and peer supporters to take part in interviews to share their experiences and tell us what worked well and what could be improved.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of joining this study is receiving practical and emotional support with breastfeeding from an experienced mother, which could help you reach your breastfeeding goals. As this is a support programme, there are no known medical risks associated with taking part. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Service de néonatologie Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant
Verified postcode
Bron, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a 'peer supporter'?

A peer supporter is an experienced mother who has breastfed her own children and has been specially trained to offer help and encouragement to other mothers with breastfeeding.

How long does the support last?

The support is designed to last for at least one month, with at least two face-to-face meetings, unless you decide to stop breastfeeding sooner.

Will my care be affected if I don't join?

No, your medical care will not be affected in any way if you choose not to take part in this study.

What kind of help will I get?

You'll receive practical advice and emotional support to help you with breastfeeding, tailored to your personal needs and situation.

Who is running this study?

This study is being run by researchers at a maternity unit in the Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant (HFME) in Bron, France.

How to find out more

Sophie S LABORIE, MD

sophie.laborie@chu-lyon.fr +33 (0)472115115 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.