Objectives We assessed the feasibility of an appropriately powered randomised trial by evaluating whether participants could be recruited and retained, and sought preliminary information on exclusive breastfeeding rates. Setting Primary healthcare facility, serving a rural community. Participants Women initiating breast feeding within 24 hours of giving birth, on antiretroviral treatment and aged ≥18 years. Interventions We randomised mother–infant pairs to receive weekly text messaging encouraging exclusive breast feeding plus in-person individual motivational interviews post partum at weeks 2, 6 and 10, or standard infant feeding counselling. Outcome measures The feasibility endpoints included number of participants who consented to participate and number with complete evaluation of infant feeding practices at study visits. Exploratory endpoints included number of participants who exclusively breast fed at 24 weeks post partum and number of participants adhering to study protocol. Re