Breastfeeding support for mothers of low birth weight infants using mother-to-mother peers in rural western Kenya - a feasibility study

The majority of the 2.4 million neonates (infants<28 days) who died in 2020 were born weighing <2500g i.e. low birth weight (LBW). In Africa, approximately 1 in 10 neonates are LBW. The majority of those who survive beyond the neonatal period are undernourished, have neuro-developmental impairment, or die before their second birthday. Unaddressed feeding difficulties contribute significantly to these adverse outcomes. This study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of using trained mother-to-mother peers (peer-mothers) to deliver breastfeeding support to mothers of LBW infants in healthcare facilities in rural Kenya. A mixed methods approach was employed, using structured observations, and pre- and post-intervention semi-structured interviews, with mothers, healthcare providers and peer-mothers. Six trained peer-mothers delivered the interventions to the mother-LBW infant pairs across eight healthcare facilities in Homa Bay County. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the quantitative data and thematic analysis for the qualitative data. From September-November 2021, 23 mothers and 26 LBW infants were recruited and received the intervention. All infants were born in a hospital, the median age of the infants was 1 day (Interquartile range, IQR 1,3), birth weight 2100g (IQR 1900, 2260) and recorded gestation 34 weeks (IQR 34,36). Although all mothers looked well, 4 (17%) showed no signs of bonding with their infant. One infant was too weak to suckle and was referred to healthcare providers. Key themes were challenges with infant feeding decision-making among mothers of LBW infants, community misconceptions of recommended infant feeding practices for LBW infants, and the integral role of peer-mothers in maternity units. Facility-based, breastfeeding peer support for LBW infants was feasible and acceptable in the context of resource constraints. It could improve uptake of appropriate infant feeding practices among these vulnerable infants and enhance their post-discharge survival and growth outcomes. This strategy warrants further evaluation in a larger study.