{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,8,25]],"date-time":"2026-08-25T06:07:58Z","timestamp":1787638078005,"version":"build-2736575974"},"reference-count":58,"publisher":"Wiley","issue":"3","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2025,3,26]],"date-time":"2025-03-26T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1742947200000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"http:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/termsAndConditions#vor"}],"content-domain":{"domain":["onlinelibrary.wiley.com"],"crossmark-restriction":true},"short-container-title":["Intl J Lang &amp;amp; Comm Disor"],"published-print":{"date-parts":[[2025,5]]},"abstract":"<jats:title>Abstract<\/jats:title><jats:sec><jats:title>Background<\/jats:title><jats:p>Breastfeeding is the optimal method of infant feeding, particularly during the first 6 months after birth, and ideally continuing until the child is at least 2 years old. Speech\u2013language therapists (SLTs) can improve the quality of care in this area, especially in vulnerable populations.<\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Aims<\/jats:title><jats:p>This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of speech\u2013language therapy to support breastfeeding among migrant women in Portugal. It evaluates breastfeeding outcomes, maternal self\u2010efficacy and quality of life post\u2010intervention, and explores the role of SLTs in this context.<\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Methods &amp; Procedures<\/jats:title><jats:p>A total of 18 migrant women were recruited between September 2023 and September 2024. The speech\u2013language therapy intervention included ante\u2010 and postnatal breastfeeding support, evaluated using pre\u2010 and post\u2010workshop questionnaires assessing breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices. Postpartum follow\u2010up was conducted at 1, 3 and 6 months, during which time the neonatal oral\u2010motor assessment scale (NOMAS), breastfeeding self\u2010efficacy scale (BSES) and maternal postpartum quality of life questionnaire (MPQLQ) were administered. Feasibility outcomes such as recruitment, retention, adherence and acceptability were also assessed, and semi\u2010structured interviews were completed.<\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Outcomes &amp; Results<\/jats:title><jats:p>The findings indicated high feasibility, with strong recruitment and retention rates. Breastfeeding self\u2010efficacy significantly improved, with scores rising from 55.6 (SD = 9.8) pre\u2010intervention to 67.2 (SD = 8.3) at 6 months postpartum (<jats:italic>t<\/jats:italic>(15) = 5.89, <jats:italic>p<\/jats:italic> &lt; 0.001). Maternal quality of life increased from 62.3 (SD = 5.2) at 1 month to 72.1 (SD = 4.6) at 6 months (<jats:italic>t<\/jats:italic>(15) = 6.23, <jats:italic>p<\/jats:italic> &lt; 0.001). A 100% breastfeeding rate was achieved at 6 months postpartum. Qualitative data revealed that the participants valued comprehensive breastfeeding support and SLT involvement.<\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Conclusions &amp; Implications<\/jats:title><jats:p>This study demonstrated that speech\u2013language therapy interventions are feasible and effective in improving breastfeeding outcomes among migrant women, warranting further investigation through larger trials.<\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS<\/jats:title><jats:sec><jats:title>What is already known on the subject<\/jats:title><jats:p><jats:list list-type=\"bullet\">\n<jats:list-item><jats:p>While breastfeeding support is often emphasized, there is a gap in understanding how tailored interventions can benefit migrant women facing breastfeeding challenges.<\/jats:p><\/jats:list-item><\/jats:list><\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>What this paper adds to the existing knowledge<\/jats:title><jats:p><jats:list list-type=\"bullet\">\n<jats:list-item><jats:p>The findings highlight the role of SLTs in enhancing breastfeeding outcomes, suggesting that tailored support can significantly impact maternal and infant well\u2010being.<\/jats:p><\/jats:list-item><\/jats:list><\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?<\/jats:title><jats:p><jats:list list-type=\"bullet\">\n<jats:list-item><jats:p>Speech\u2013language therapy interventions can effectively support breastfeeding, especially in populations with unique challenges such as migrant women.<\/jats:p><\/jats:list-item><\/jats:list><\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><\/jats:sec>","DOI":"10.1111\/1460-6984.70026","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2025,3,29]],"date-time":"2025-03-29T17:18:49Z","timestamp":1743268729000},"update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/crossmark_policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":1,"title":["Feasibility, acceptability and 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