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Increasing Mothers' Own Milk Feeding in the Neonatal ICU
Increasing Human Milk Feeding in the Neonatal ICU
Who can join
Ages 18 and older · Women
Full eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * mother identifies as Black * speaks, reads, and writes English * able to provide MOM * has a NICU-admitted infant able to receive MOM Exclusion Criteria: * A medical (e.g., maternal HIV+, infant galactosemia) or physical condition (e.g., total mastectomy) preventing MOM feeding (e.g., to avoid HIV transmission) * infants placed in adoptive care, precluding follow-up * an infant life-limiting condition (e.g., Trisomy 13, 18)
About the study
The purpose of this study is to adapt, refine, and test the feasibility, acceptability, and implementation of a novel Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) (MIACT) intervention delivered by lactation specialists to increase Black mothers' own milk (MOM) feeding with their infants and to pilot test the efficacy of the MIACT intervention in a sample of Black mothers and their infants to increase MOM-feeding initiation and duration and improve secondary infant and maternal outcomes (e.g., infant length-of-stay, maternal stress), compared to usual lactation support in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The goals of MIACT are to increase mothers' psychological flexibility and motivation for MOM feeding by increasing acceptance and willingness to experience ambivalent and/or uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations related to MOM feeding, with particular attention to the unique needs of Black mothers. Concerns, views, and feelings around MOM feeding will be identified, followed by discussion and practice of acceptance and mindfulness skills. Maternal values will be elicited and goals based on personal values will be set.
What is being tested
- Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) (MIACT) (behavioral)
- Usual Lactation Support (behavioral)
Sponsor: The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · Participants: 1,176 · Started: Oct 15, 2026
Contact the study team
- Thomas F Northrup, PhD · Phone: 713-500-7590
- Angela Stotts · Phone: (713) 500-7590
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT07932652
Locations in the U.S.
| Texas | The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Nov 15, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.