MILC: A Comprehensive Mobile Application That Addresses the Breastfeeding Challenges of Low-income Hispanic Mothers

Launched by BENTEN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. · Jul 20, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The MILC trial is studying a new mobile application designed to help low-income Hispanic mothers with breastfeeding. This app aims to provide personalized support and education to encourage exclusive breastfeeding (where the baby only receives breast milk) for up to 12 months. The goal is to create a supportive community where mothers can share their experiences and access helpful resources, ultimately increasing breastfeeding rates among these families.

To participate in this study, mothers should be Hispanic, eligible for the WIC program (which helps low-income families with nutrition), and willing to consent to join. They should also speak English and either have successfully breastfed exclusively for six months in the past or have attempted but faced challenges. If they are pregnant and in their late third trimester, they can also join. Participants will be asked to use the app and share their experiences, which will help improve the program. It's important to note that mothers under 18 or over 44 years old, those facing certain health issues, or those with recent psychiatric hospitalizations will not be eligible.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria for focus groups:
• • Mothers who successfully exclusively breastfed for up to 6 months, at least one child OR mothers who attempted EBF but were unsuccessful at breastfeeding, in the past 3 years
• • Self-identify as Hispanic
• • Be WIC-eligible
• • Voluntarily consent
• • Speak English
• Inclusion Criteria for Randomized Control Trial (RCT):
• • In their late third trimester (approximately 4 weeks from delivery)
• • Can initiate BF immediately
• • Self-identify as Hispanic
• • Be WIC-eligible
• • Voluntarily consent
• • Not have psychiatric hospitalization within the last 3 months
• • Not have current or suicidal thoughts or past attempts
• • Own a smartphone device
• • Speak English
• Exclusion Criteria for focus groups and Randomized Control Trial (RCT):
• • 1. Participants who are under the age of 18 or over 44
• • 2. Women experiencing a fetal demise or infant death
• 3. Women who report the following conditions also will be excluded:
• • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• • Taking antiretroviral medication or chemotherapy agents
• • Untreated, active tuberculosis
• • T-Cell lymphotropic virus type I or type II
• • Illicit drug use
• • Receiving radiation therapy
• • Exposed to anthrax
• • Undergone breast surgery
• • Known exposure to environmental toxins
• • Active hepatitis B and C
• • Prescription drug use incompatible with lactation