Support for low-income mothers of preterm infants
Official title: Effect of Support for Low-Income Mothers of Preterm Infants on Parental Caregiving in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Run by University of Massachusetts, Worcester · NCT06362798 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests if giving financial help to low-income mothers of preterm babies in the NICU can improve their ability to visit and care for their infants, which may lead to better health for both mom and baby.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 420 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Massachusetts, Worcester Academic / other |
| Locations | 5 sites (Atlanta, Georgia and 4 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 24, 2024 |
| Main results expected | July 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | August 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | November 2, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06362798 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are low-income mothers eligible for Medicaid with preterm infants born between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not speak English or Spanish may not benefit from this study due to language barriers.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the impact of financial transfers on low-income mothers of preterm infants who are hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). By providing financial support, the study seeks to reduce barriers that prevent these mothers from visiting their infants, thereby promoting breastfeeding and skin-to-skin care. The randomized controlled trial will involve 420 Medicaid-eligible mothers with infants born between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation. The goal is to assess whether this support can improve maternal engagement and ultimately enhance infant health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the health and developmental outcomes of preterm infants by facilitating greater maternal involvement during critical hospitalization periods.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown success in improving outcomes for preterm infants through enhanced maternal involvement, making this approach promising.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Mother is eligible for Medicaid insurance. * Has an infant or infants born 24 0/7-34 1/7 weeks gestation. * Mother's baby is cared for at one of the five enrolling study sites located in Massachusetts or Georgia or Mississippi. * Mother is eligible to breastfeed (per hospital criteria). Exclusion Criteria: * Mother is not English- or Spanish-speaking.
Where it's running
-
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University
Atlanta, Georgia, United States Recruiting -
Boston Medical Center
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting -
Baystate Medical Center
Springfield, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting -
UMass Memorial Medical Center
Worcester, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting -
University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC)
Jackson, Mississippi, United States Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Margaret Parker, MD — UMass Memorial Health
- Study coordinator: Margaret McConnell, PhD
- Email: mmcconne@hsph.harvard.edu
- Phone: 203-745-8321
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.