A world-first trial is being conducted in Australia to provide breastfeeding support via SMS to new mums. The trial is being conducted by the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) to increase breastfeeding rates amongst new mums and is open to all Australian residents.
Mumbubconnect (mbc) is the name of this pilot project and aims to create better communication connections between mums and official support services through the use of social media. A telephone hotline, website and Facebook page have also been developed to provide mums with additional information and supports.
The trial involves registering to take part. Participants will then receive an initial SMS and be required to complete a survey. Next, the full SMS trial begins. Participants may or may not receive weekly tailored SMS messages (for up to eight weeks) but every second week a personalised message will be sent to participants requesting a response to how they are coping with breastfeeding. If a mum is struggling at any point, she would be sent an encouraging SMS response with tips to get through the difficult times. At the completion of the test period a final survey is required to be completed.
To be involved in the study, women must be:
- Over 18 years of age
- Have a baby that is three months of age or younger
- Currently breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed
- Have a mobile phone
- Have not been diagnosed with postnatal depression
For more information about this trail or to register to participate, go to Mumbubconnect website from the link below.
