Objective This study evaluates the impact of telelactation (video breastfeeding support visits) on breastfeeding satisfaction and the likelihood of breastfeeding another child. Breastfeeding satisfaction is a key person-centered outcome and indicator of breastfeeding success and is associated with a longer duration of breastfeeding. Methods This randomized controlled trial randomized pregnant individuals to receive a telelactation app (intervention group) or an infant care e-book (control group). The main outcome measured was self-reported breastfeeding satisfaction at 24 weeks postpartum, while a secondary outcome assessed the likelihood of breastfeeding another child. We estimated unadjusted and adjusted linear regression models for the effect of telelactation on breastfeeding satisfaction and logistic regression models for the effect of telelactation on the likelihood of breastfeeding another child. We also examined whether the effects of telelactation differed by breastfeeding problems experienced. Results Results indicated that telelactation significantly improved breastfeeding satisfaction scores by 0.53 points (confidence interval (CI): [0.04,1.04], P = 0.04) and increased the likelihood of participants being very likely to breastfeed another child by 7% (risk ratio = 1.07 [CI: {1.01, 1.14}, P = 0.02]; adjusted risk ratio = 1.07 [CI: {1.01, 1.14}, P = 0.03]). We found no significant differences in outcomes based on race or ethnicity. Further analysis highlighted that telelactation was particularly beneficial for participants experiencing common newborn/premature feeding issues. Conclusions Telelactation can enhance breastfeeding experiences and satisfaction, with implications for public health strategies targeting new parents.

Telelactation – synchronous video visits with lactation consultants – can reduce disparities in access to professional breastfeeding support and improve breastfeeding experiences and rates. Prior literature on phone or app-based breastfeeding support has described use patterns for breastfeeding hotlines and apps that provide educational content. Telelactation video visits are now widely available. Although as many as a third of new parents used telelactation in 2020-2021, little is known about how individuals engage with these services. We described use patterns among new parents offered telelactation as part of a randomized controlled trial designed to assess effectiveness of telelactation across diverse populations of birthing people.

Telelactation – synchronous video visits with lactation consultants – can reduce disparities in access to professional breastfeeding support and improve breastfeeding experiences and rates. Prior literature on phone or app-based breastfeeding support has described use patterns for breastfeeding hotlines and apps that provide educational content. Telelactation video visits are now widely available. Although as many as a third of new parents used telelactation in 2020-2021, little is known about how individuals engage with these services. We described use patterns among new parents offered telelactation as part of a randomized controlled trial designed to assess effectiveness of telelactation across diverse populations of birthing people. Read More Subscribe to the Policy Currents newsletter Email Subscribe Topics Health EquityNeonatal CareRandomized Controlled TrialTelemedicine Document Details Document Details Copyright: Elsevier IncPublisher: American Journal of Obstetrics & GynecologyAvailability: Non-RAND Year: 2024 Pages: 5 Document Number: EP-70684 Research conducted by RAND Social and Economic Well-Being RAND Health Care This publication is part of the RAND external publication series. Many RAND studies are published in peer-reviewed scholarly journals, as chapters in commercial books, or as documents published by other organizations. RAND is a nonprofit institution that helps improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis. RAND's publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors.