Trial Outcomes & Findings for Breast Versus Bottle Study (NCT NCT03704051)

Mothers of infants under 6 months of age were recruited through advertisements on social media platforms (e.g. Facebook and Instagram); advertisements in local Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) clinics; announcements in birthing, breastfeeding and parenting classes; and flyers displayed at local businesses.

There were no significant events in the study (for example, wash out, run-in) that occurred after participant enrollment, but prior to the first within-subject condition.

Data are for mothers only (n = 47)

For both breast- and bottle-feedings, infant intake will be assessed by pre- and post-weighing the baby on an infant scale (model 374; Seca, Hamburg, Germany). During bottle-feedings, we will also note whether the infant finishes the bottle.

Mother and infant behavior during each feeding will be coded using the Nursing Child Assessment Parent-Child Interaction - Feeding Scale (NCAFS). This scale contains six subscales, four of which describe maternal attributes (Sensitivity to Cues, Response to Child's Distress, Social-Emotional Growth Fostering, and Cognitive Growth Fostering) and two of which describe infant attributes (Clarity of Cues and Responsiveness to Caregiver). The proposed analysis will focus on the Sensitivity to Cues subscale, which measures the degree to which the mother is able to understand and respond to her child's cues. This scale provides a global measure of how sensitive the mother is to the infant's needs during the feeding interaction. Possible score range is 0-16, which is derived from summing together maternal scores for each of the 16 subscale items. Higher scores indicate greater sensitivity to infant cues.