What is it about?
Migrant mothers may face barriers to breastfeeding support, including language and cultural differences. We tested a culturally adapted breastfeeding support program led by speech-language therapists in primary healthcare. Among 74 migrant mothers in Portugal, 91.9% of those receiving the intervention were exclusively breastfeeding at six months, compared with 18.9% receiving usual care. These findings highlight the potential of tailored support to improve breastfeeding and promote health equity.
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Why is it important?
Our study shows that culturally adapted breastfeeding support can make a substantial difference for migrant mothers. By integrating a speech-language therapist-led intervention into primary healthcare, this work highlights a new role for speech-language therapists in breastfeeding and maternal-infant health. The findings can contribute to more equitable breastfeeding support for migrant families.
Perspectives
This publication represents an important part of my research journey. It brought together questions I deeply care about and challenged me to think differently about the role of speech-language therapy in breastfeeding and maternal-infant health. More than anything, I hope this work encourages us to think about breastfeeding support not only as a clinical issue, but also as a matter of equity, access, and children's rights.
Ana Lopes
Universidade de Aveiro
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Promoting Children's Rights Through Breastfeeding Support: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Speech-Language Pathologist–Led Intervention Among Migrant Mothers in Primary Health Care, Language Speech and Hearing Services in Schools, August 2026, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA),
DOI: 10.1044/2026_lshss-25-00206.
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