Supporting breastfeeding In Local Communities (SILC)

There are two intervention groups. One group receives early home-based breastfeeding support by a Maternal and Child Health Nurse (MCHN). The second intervention group receives early home-based breastfeeding support by a MCHN and access to a community-based breastfeeding drop-in centre. Participating MCHNs will have clinical experience in diagnosing and managing common breastfeeding problems: insufficient milk, perceived insufficient milk, nipple pain and damage, breast engorgement and mastitis, nipple/breast thrush, infant tongue-tie. They will assist the mother by giving advice and support, and suggesting appropriate referrals where necessary. It will be up to the allocated MCHN to determine the number and timing of support visits for each woman referred, however, it is anticipated that on average this will be two visits. It is anticipated that up to a third of women in intervention LGAs are likely to receive the home visiting intervention. The second intervention group will also have access to a community-based breastfeeding drop-in centre. These drop-in centres will operate for the duration of the trial intervention and women can visit them as many times as they wish. The number of days and hours the drop-in centres operate will be affected by number of births in the LGA and availability of a venue.