JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Telelactation services connect breastfeeding mothers to remotely located lactation consultants through audio-visual technology and can increase access to professional breastfeeding support in rural areas.

Objective:

To identify maternal characteristics associated with demand for and use of telelactation and to describe visit characteristics.

Methods:

We conducted a descriptive study within the context of a randomized controlled trial. Participant survey data and vendor EMR data were used to assess video call characteristics including timing, duration, and topics discussed and participant satisfaction. Recruitment occurred from 2016-2018 at a rural critical access hospital in Pennsylvania. Enrolled women (n=94) were given access to unlimited, on demand video calls with lactation consultants through a mobile phone application.

Results:

Forty-seven (50%) participants reported participating in one or more video calls, and 31 (33%) completed one or more calls that included a substantive discussion of a breastfeeding challenge. Participants who used telelactation were more likely to be working at 12 weeks post-partum (68% vs. 41%, p=0.02), less likely to have prior breastfeeding experience (39% vs. 65%, p=0.02), and less likely to have breastfed exclusively prior to hospital discharge (52% vs. 81%, p<.01). Most video calls (70%) occurred during the infant’s first month of life, and 41% occurred outside of business hours. The most common challenges discussed included: breast pain, soreness, and infection (30% of calls), use of nipple shields (25%), latch/positioning (24%). Most telelactation users (91%) expressed satisfaction with the help received.

Conclusions:

Telelactation is an innovation in the delivery of professional breastfeeding support. This research documents demand for and positive experiences with telelactation in an underserved population.