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Breastfeeding, Early Prenatal Stress Intervention, and Infant Neurodevelopment
Sponsor: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether antenatal maternal stress management using relaxation techniques improves breastfeeding effectiveness and neonatal neurodevelopmental outcomes. It is hypothesized that reducing maternal stress during pregnancy will enhance the initiation and continuation of exclusive breastfeeding until six months postpartum. The management of antenatal maternal stress is expected to be reflected in both the newborn's behavior and proteins associated with neurodevelopment, such as Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Reelin. The main research questions of this study include the following: 1. Does stress management in pregnant women using relaxation techniques increase the likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding at one and six months postpartum? 2. Does it impact neonatal and infant growth and behavior? 3. Does it alter neurotrophin levels in the fetus? This trial will provide insight into the potential benefits of prenatal stress reduction for both maternal and infant health outcomes. 4. "If prenatal stress management leads to changes in neurotrophins in the fetus, could these changes be linked to the success and duration of breastfeeding, as well as the infant's growth and behavior?
Official title: The Impact of Prenatal Stress Management Program on Maternal Breastfeeding and Neonatal Neurodevelopmental Parameters
Key Details
Gender
FEMALE
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
162
Start Date
2018-02-01
Completion Date
2024-09-10
Last Updated
2026-08-10
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Relaxation & Breastfeeding Education
Pregnant women in this group will be trained in 10 individual interactive sessions, focusing on relaxation techniques and breastfeeding including: 1. Diaphragmatic breathing 2. Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) - tailored for pregnant women. 3. Guided imagery 4. the analysis of the concept of stress and stress management strategies for pregnancy including Cognitive-behavioral approach (CBT principles) 5. Mindfulness-based pregnancy adaptation including positive thinking and wellbeing during pregnancy . 6. Pregnancy stages. 7. Benefits of breastfeeding. 8. Breastfeeding guide and practical applications. 9. Labor stages and childbirth preparation. 10. Newborn and infant needs at home Every relaxation technique training will last 20 minutes practice in every session Additionally pregnant women will be practiced at least 3 times weekly during pregnancy
Active comparator
Participants in this group will receive only interactive online education, focusing exclusively on breastfeeding and newborn care. The Programme included ten remote sessions: 1. Pregnancy stages. 2. Benefits of breastfeeding. 3. Skin-to-skin contact and rooming-in during the first days. 4. The role of breastfeeding in maternal emotional well-being. 5. Breastfeeding guide and practical applications. 6. Maternal nutrition during breastfeeding. 7. Common breastfeeding challenges. 8. The father's role in breastfeeding support. 9. Labor stages and childbirth preparation 10. Newborn and infant needs at home.
control group
This group will received only standard prenatal and postnatal care at a Baby-Friendly Hospital, which adheres to WHO and UNICEF guidelines for breastfeeding support. They did not participate in additional structured educational programs or relaxation training.
Locations (1)
Maternity Hospital "ELENA VENIZELOU"
Athens, Attica, Greece