ERIC Number: EJ1472087
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-May
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1368-2822
EISSN: EISSN-1460-6984
Available Date: 2025-03-26
Feasibility, Acceptability and Preliminary Effects of Speech-Language Therapy in Breastfeeding Support: A Mixed Methods Pilot Study with Migrant Women in Portugal
International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, v60 n3 e70026 2025
Background: Breastfeeding is the optimal method of infant feeding, particularly during the first 6 months after birth, and ideally continuing until the child is at least 2 years old. Speech--language therapists (SLTs) can improve the quality of care in this area, especially in vulnerable populations. Aims: This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of speech--language therapy to support breastfeeding among migrant women in Portugal. It evaluates breastfeeding outcomes, maternal self-efficacy and quality of life post-intervention, and explores the role of SLTs in this context. Methods & Procedures: A total of 18 migrant women were recruited between September 2023 and September 2024. The speech--language therapy intervention included ante- and postnatal breastfeeding support, evaluated using pre- and post-workshop questionnaires assessing breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices. Postpartum follow-up was conducted at 1, 3 and 6 months, during which time the neonatal oral-motor assessment scale (NOMAS), breastfeeding self-efficacy scale (BSES) and maternal postpartum quality of life questionnaire (MPQLQ) were administered. Feasibility outcomes such as recruitment, retention, adherence and acceptability were also assessed, and semi-structured interviews were completed. Outcomes & Results: The findings indicated high feasibility, with strong recruitment and retention rates. Breastfeeding self-efficacy significantly improved, with scores rising from 55.6 (SD = 9.8) pre-intervention to 67.2 (SD = 8.3) at 6 months postpartum (t(15) = 5.89, p < 0.001). Maternal quality of life increased from 62.3 (SD = 5.2) at 1 month to 72.1 (SD = 4.6) at 6 months (t(15) = 6.23, p < 0.001). A 100% breastfeeding rate was achieved at 6 months postpartum. Qualitative data revealed that the participants valued comprehensive breastfeeding support and SLT involvement. Conclusions & Implications: This study demonstrated that speech--language therapy interventions are feasible and effective in improving breastfeeding outcomes among migrant women, warranting further investigation through larger trials.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Speech Language Pathology, Speech Therapy, Infants, Nutrition, Migrants, Mothers, Self Efficacy, Quality of Life, Scores, Intervention
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www-wiley-com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-us
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Portugal
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1RISE-Health, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal; 2School of Health Sciences (ESSUA), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal