Breastfeeding and Telehealth

Abstract

Question 1: What remote lactation consulting techniques have you piloted/used? Rojjanasrirat: My colleagues and I piloted the use of in-home real-time videoconferencing (VC) in a research setting, 1 to determine the feasibility of using it to provide breastfeeding support to motherinfant dyads and to assess the reliability of the LATCH breastfeeding assessment tool. The in-home videoconferencing equipment included a small computer-attached camera, point-to-point encrypted videoconferencing software, a desktop or laptop computer with a minimum bandwidth of 384 kbps, external speakers, headsets, and microphones. 2 Sanders: The Texas Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program uses video technology for IBCLC lactation consultations. WIC is a US Department of Agriculture supplemental food and nutrition, breastfeeding promotion, and support program. Our target population is low-to middle-income women who are either pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum, and infants and children to age 5. Texas can be geographically challenging. We have large urban areas with heavy traffic congestion, and vast, remote rural areas. Transportation is a major deterrent to residents of these areas accessing professional lactation care. WIC is a federally funded program with limited resources; we needed a low-cost solution that was convenient, inviting, and effective. Video conferencing was selected as the technology to provide distance IBCLC lactation care.Our IBCLC is located in a centrally located breastfeeding support center. The local WIC clinics are located in areas that are typically geographically close to the mothers' homes. Our clients visit their local WIC offices for the consult. The mothers are never left alone during the consult. They are assisted by a remote site assistant under the direction of the IBCLC via webcam. The remote site assistant can be a peer counselor, nutritionist, or dietitian; they help the mother with positioning and operates the camera for more diagnostic viewing.

Efficacy of e‐technologies in improving breastfeeding outcomes among perinatal women: a meta‐analysis

“…E‐technology will continue to become increasing popular as the cost of transportation increases and the cost of technology decreases, and more technologically literate women will use these feasible and promising methods to increase access to BF service everywhere (Macnab et al . ). Furthermore, Facebook presence (Bensley et al .…”

“…Data visualisation capabilities and cloud computing offer accessible display of outcome information, flexible dissemination channels within and between service settings, and ready access to collaborative communication and shared resources for consumers and providers (Davidesko et al 2014). E-technology will continue to become increasing popular as the cost of transportation increases and the cost of technology decreases, and more technologically literate women will use these feasible and promising methods to increase access to BF service everywhere (Macnab et al 2012). Furthermore, Facebook presence (Bensley et al 2014), utility of blogs (West et al 2011) and Global Positioning System (Ismaeel & Hamead 2014) are another advancing wave of technological development that might potentially help map out new avenues to promote and support exclusive BF for at least 6 months among perinatal women.…”

Internet Use by First-Time Mothers for Infant Feeding Support

“…36 Although this research has investigated Internet searches and chatrooms/forums to support breastfeeding, they are by no means the only uses of the Internet for breastfeeding support. Recent initiatives that use interactive ICTs such as videoconferencing for real-time lactation support for breastfeeding mothers 17 also show promise and may eliminate the distinction between interpersonal and online support. Indeed, there is a large degree of crossover in functionalities between information and communication technologies, social networking and support, and interaction with HCPs.…”

“…[11][12][13] As a medium for breastfeeding promotion, it has been identified as a valuable and low-cost tool in supporting women in isolated locations. [14][15][16][17] In the context of infant feeding, vertical health information-seeking behaviors may be characterized by unidirectional information transfer with the aim of receiving messages from trusted health sources and professionals. Horizontal health information-seeking behaviors use multidirectional communication such as blogs, chatrooms, forums, and social media between ordinary Internet users.…”

Using Videoconferencing Technology to Provide Breastfeeding Support to Low-Income Women

“…Incorporating lactation consultations using videoconferencing has the capacity to offer increased access to health services and enhanced educational opportunities. 7-9…”