NCT07582848 · Carelon Research
BOND: Direct Breastfeeding to Enhance Maternal and Infant Health in Congenital Heart Disease
What this study is about
The primary objective of this study is to enhance the rates of direct breast feeding (DBF) among infants with congenital heart disease (CHD), and to gain insights into the implications of DBF on key metrics of child and parent well-being. A conducted at multiple hospitals parallel cluster platform design will be employed.
View original scientific description
The primary objective of this study is to enhance the rates of direct breast feeding (DBF) among infants with congenital heart disease (CHD), and to gain insights into the implications of DBF on key metrics of child and parent well-being. A multicenter parallel cluster platform design will be employed. The intervention will be a multifaceted approach to enhance direct breastfeeding. Participating sites will be randomized into either intervention (strategies to enhance direct breastfeeding) or conventional care.
Interventions
OTHER
Breastfeeding clinical practice guideline (CPG) for congenital heart disease (CHD)
The clinical practice guideline (CPG) intervention will be developed by the clinical centers randomized to this arm. The intervention plan will likely include: 1) prenatal counseling; 2) viewing a video on breastfeeding CHD infants; 3) individual counseling by a registered lactation consultant (RLC), 4) weekly personal contact in-hospital by the RLC, 5) frequent contact post discharge by the RLC through the first year or until breastfeeding is discontinued, 6) provision of high-quality breast pumps, 7) incentive to continue with pumping breastmilk or direct breastfeeding.
Primary outcome measures
direct breastfeeding at 4 months
Time frame: 4 months
any direct breastfeeding (yes/no)
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Pregnant individual carrying a fetus diagnosed with CHD or biological mother of an infant diagnosed with CHD in the neonatal period.
- Fetus or newborn with CHD anticipated to require cardiac surgery or transcatheter intervention in the first 30 days of life.
- Admission to the ICU (either CICU or NICU) at participating center in 1st week of life and for whom cardiac surgical or transcatheter intervention is anticipated in the first 30 days of life.
- Willing to comply with protocol and provide written informed consent
Exclusion criteria
- Mother, fetal, or infant medical condition determined by a treating clinician to be contraindicative to study participation.
- Mother with a severe, untreated psychiatric condition, substance use disorder, or other circumstances that, in the opinion of the investigator, would interfere with engagement with study tasks or safe participation in the trial.
- Mother with a moderate to severe intellectual disability or is otherwise unable to provide informed consent.
- Infant birthweight \<3rd percentile for gestational age
- Infant gestational age \< 36 weeks
- Infant with known genetic disorder likely to impact breastfeeding, such as trisomy 21 or cleft palate
- Medical condition or congenital anomaly that precludes safe direct breastfeeding for the infant as determined by investigator
Where
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Los Angeles, California
- Aurora, Colorado
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Chicago, Illinois
- Lexington, Kentucky
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Kansas City, Missouri
- St Louis, Missouri
- New York, New York
- Cincinnati, Ohio
And 4 more locations — see the full list below.
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Sep 10, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations