Preparing Heart and Mind Human Milk Feeding Care Program

breastfeeding baby

What is the Preparing Heart and Mind™: Human Milk Feeding Care Program?

The  Preparing Heart and Mind™: Human Milk Feeding care program is designed for parents who wish to provide human milk to their babies born with congenital heart disease (CHD). Like the original Preparing Heart and Mind™ care program, this extended content provides key information and support available through a mobile app, and includes a connection to a nurse with specialized knowledge on feeding babies with CHD. Care programs were developed based on research and professional practice guidelines used by healthcare providers who care for babies with CHD and their families. Topics covered include human milk as medicine, the many ways of feeding a baby in the hospital, and possible complications. 

What is the purpose of this study?

The purpose of this study is to test the Preparing Heart and Mind™: Human Milk Feeding care program to find out how it might help parents manage the nutritional challenges that come with CHD and to achieve feeding goals they have for their babies. We want to incorporate what we learn from parents, like you, about the potential value as well as improvements needed in this nurse-guided care program. 

What will study participants do? 

When this study begins, parents expecting and caring for babies with CHD will be sought to complete surveys. Parents will be asked to complete surveys at several time points beginning during the third trimester of pregnancy and following birth. Some may have video sessions or phone calls with a nurse, who will help with the app, answer questions, and talk about important experiences and issues.

Is there any compensation?

Yes! We plan to recognize parent participants’ time and effort with compensation on a gift card for each study activity completed.

This research study will be coordinated by the University of Minnesota. Study participation will involve the use of smartphones, tablets or computers. No appointments on campus or in clinics are required for this study.

How can I learn more?

Please click the button below to send us your contact information! A nurse will be in touch.

Learn more

Upcoming Projects:

In addition to our current projects, here are a few things we are working on!

  • Connecting with parents who are willing to learn more about our projects and give us feedback on our work. We believe that it is important for parents of infants with CHD to have a voice in research, and we are committed to inclusive work that reflects ALL families who are impacted by CHD. If you are a parent or caregiver of a child with CHD and may be interested in participating in a focus group with other parents, we would love to connect with you! If you’re interested in learning more, please click here.
  • Translating the Preparing Heart and Mind™ care programs to languages other than English

Funding: 

The development of this care program was supported through the University of Minnesota Office of Discovery and Translation by the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, grant UL1TR002494

Are you:

  • A pregnant person who has been told that your baby may be born with a heart condition?
  • At least 20 weeks along in your pregnancy?
  • At least 18 years old?
  • Able to access a smartphone, tablet or computer?

If so, you may be able to take part in the Preparing Heart and Mind™ original care program study.

Primary Investigator

Co-Investigator