Development and pilot of a group skills-and-support intervention for mothers of children with feeding problems

Child feeding problems are often associated with parental factors which may influence and maintain difficulties. This paper reports the development, pilot and preliminary evaluation of a group intervention for mothers of children with feeding problems. Themes for the group were derived from a survey of parents and professionals. Three pilot interventions were conducted in order to make an assessment of the feasibility, acceptability and potential for achieving change in levels of maternal mood, parenting stress and concerns related to feeding. While single case analysis revealed little change in standardised measures of mood and parenting stress, participants valued the social and emotional support offered by the group and reported improvements in concerns and maladaptive behaviours related to feeding. An intervention which provides support and a sense of a shared experience appears to have beneficial effects for mothers of children with feeding problems and therefore, may offer a constructive means of supporting this population.

► We aimed to develop a group for mothers of children with feeding problems.
► The design of the group was informed by a survey of parents and professionals.
► Meaningful change was found in mother’s perception of the feeding problem.
► Mothers appeared to find the group acceptable and supportive.
► We conclude that such an intervention may be a positive way of supporting mothers.