Effect of Teté Dance on Breastfeeding Duration in Irritable Infants

This randomized controlled trial will investigate the effect of the Teté Dance, a culturally adapted maternal intervention, on breastfeeding session durations in irritable infants. Rooted in traditional Peruvian Amazonian practices, the Teté Dance integrates rhythmic maternal movements and cheerful music to create a calming environment conducive to prolonged breastfeeding.

The study will employ a parallel design with two groups: an intervention group practicing the Teté Dance and a control group receiving standard breastfeeding support. The intervention will be delivered through a combination of in-person and virtual training sessions led by trained facilitators, ensuring consistency in technique application. Mothers in the intervention group will be provided with resources, including tutorial videos and culturally tailored music playlists, to support implementation at home.

Data collection will focus on breastfeeding session durations over a seven-day period. Diaries maintained by mothers will be validated daily by blinded staff to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the recorded information. The trial will be structured to evaluate not only the immediate effects of the intervention but also its feasibility and acceptability as a culturally sensitive support strategy.

The Teté Dance aims to represent an innovative approach that leverages cultural traditions to address breastfeeding challenges in resource-limited settings. By combining traditional practices with modern support frameworks, this intervention seeks to provide a scalable and low-cost solution to improve breastfeeding outcomes globally.

Findings from this study are expected to contribute to the growing evidence supporting culturally adapted maternal interventions and may inform the development of public health policies aimed at reducing early breastfeeding cessation and its associated health risks.

Inclusion criteria

• Infants aged 4 to 20 weeks.
• Infants identified as "demanding," meaning those with frequent irritability, restlessness, or excessive crying during breastfeeding attempts, without an underlying medical condition.
• Mothers who have completed secondary education.

Exclusion criteria

• Infants with significant clinical conditions.
• Infants with inadequate growth.
• Infants exclusively fed with formula.