investigating the Acceptability and Feasibility of online Support for Caregivers of Infants with Feeding Difficulties
Colic, Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux (Disorder; GOR[D]), and Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA) are frequently diagnosed in infants during their first six months, often leading to significant infant irritability, healthcare costs, and reduced caregiver wellbeing. While interventions like peer support, music therapy, and health education have proven effective for other perinatal mental health challenges – such as postpartum depression - their application in an online format for caregivers of infants with colic, GOR(D), and CMPA remains largely unexplored.
This pilot study, conducted at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, aimed to assess the acceptability and feasibility of a combined intervention offering non-clinical peer support, health education, and music therapy to caregivers, compared to standard care. Eligible caregivers were recruited during routine appointments with the infant feeding team and assigned to one of four intervention groups.
The peer support component included a dedicated WhatsApp group alongside group sessions. The intervention spanned seven weeks, with the first three weeks focused on one-hour online group sessions designed to equip caregivers with skills for managing infant symptoms and promoting self-care. Weeks four through six encouraged independent application of these skills. In week seven,evaluative focus groups were held to gather feedback. Data from the WhatsApp groups were analyzed using conversational analysis, while focus group data underwent thematic analysis.
Despite difficulties in recruiting a sufficient number of participants – preventing a full assessment of feasibility – the study demonstrated the acceptability of the peer support intervention to both mothers and healthcare staff.Participants notably valued the flexibility and accessibility of the WhatsApp group, fostering connection with other mothers experiencing similar challenges. Insights gained from the focus groups regarding study strengths and limitations will be valuable for digital health researchers developing future interventions for caregivers of infants with colic,GOR(D),and/or CMPA.
Keywords: caregivers; colic; gastroesophageal reflux; maternal health; milk hypersensitivity; pilot projects; self-care.