Background Interventions are needed to promote responsive infant feeding (RIF) to assist caregivers recognize infant hunger/satiety cues and overcome barriers to using RIF. The Learning Early Infant Feeding Cues (LEIFc) intervention was designed to fill this gap by using a validated coaching approach to promote RIF. Guided by the ORBIT model, this multimodal, proof-of-concept (POC) study evaluated the clinical significance, feasibility, and fidelity of LEIFc in mother-infant dyads.

Methods Mother-infant dyads were followed from the 3rd trimester of pregnancy to 4 months postpartum. Coaching during a feeding session was provided using the SS-OO-PP-RR (“super,” Setting the Stage, Observation & Opportunities, Problem Solving & Planning, Reflection & Review). RIF was measured pre-post via the Infant Feeding Questionnaire subscales: awareness of infant cues (Aware), feeding on a schedule (Schedule), and using food to calm (Calm). Qualitative data from participants was collected at study conclusion.

Results 21 dayds completed all study visits. Suggesting RIF, there was a 28.5% increase in Aware and a 40% decrease in Calm. Schedule increased 4.8%, not suggestive of RIF. Three themes emerged from the qualitative data: LEIFc offered additional support, recognition of infant feeding cues, and identification of additional needs

Conclusions This POC study supports that the LEIFc intervention was feasible to implement and acceptable by participants. LEIFc was effective at increasing RIF except feeding on a schedule. The study concluded at 4 months postpartum when many mothers return to work and/or have other caregivers feeding their infant which may contribute to feeding on a schedule. Mixed methods analyses may explain the results. Consistent with the ORBIT model, the next steps are to refine the intervention then test in a larger sample at highest risk for poor infant outcomes associated with feeding (i.e., rapid infant weight gain, childhood obesity).

The authors have declared no competing interest.

NCT06898190

This study was funded by the Florida State University, College of Nursing Dean's Research Award.

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Florida State University, Institutional Review Board reviewed this study and approved it as expedited. The study ID is: STUDY00002895.

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