Investigating the acceptability and feasibility of three online interventions for caregivers of infants with feeding difficulties

Colic, Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux (Disorder; GOR[D]) and Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA) are common infantile afflictions in the first 6 months of life. These conditions are associated with high levels of infant irritability, prescription costs, and poor caregiver wellbeing. For other perinatal mental health concerns, for example, postpartum depression, peer support, music, and health education have been identified as effective interventions for nurturing caregiver wellbeing. However, these interventions have yet to be piloted in an online delivery format, among caregivers of infants diagnosed with colic, GOR(D), and CMPA. The current study aimed to determine the acceptability and feasibility of a non-clinical peer support, health education, and music intervention to caregivers of infants with colic, GOR(D), and CMPA, when compared with treatment as usual. Eligible caregivers were recruited during routine appointments with the infant feeding team at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust. Consenting caregivers were assigned to 1 of the 4 intervention arms. For peer support only, a WhatsApp group accompanied group sessions. Intervention weeks 1-3 involved a one-hour online group session, where skills were developed with an aim to improve management of infantile symptoms, and to nurture self-care practices. In weeks 4-6, participants were encouraged to use skills obtained from weeks 1-3, independently. In week 7, evaluative focus groups were conducted. WhatsApp group data underwent conversational analysis and evaluative focus group data underwent thematic analysis. Feasibility was not achieved due to recruitment difficulties. However, the peer support intervention was deemed acceptable by mothers and staff. Peer support participants valued the flexibility of access to support via WhatsApp with other mothers with shared life experience. Evaluative focus groups identified study strengths and limitations which will provide insight to digital health researchers seeking to develop interventional research for caregivers of infants afflicted with colic, GOR(D), and/or CMPA.