Skilled Lactation Support Using Telemedicine in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

AbstractNICU mothers face unique challenges in initiating and sustaining breastfeeding. Previous studies have focused on outpatient breastfeeding support. We conducted a retrospective study of breastfeeding outcomes before and after implementing telelactation. Pre-Telemedicine (PTM) mothers received in-person support by NICU lactation consultants, while Telemedicine (TM) mothers received solely telemedicine consults after maternal discharge. Exclusive breastmilk feeding at discharge increased in the TM group. Notably, babies in the TM cohort who were fed any formula on admission experienced significant improvement in exclusive breastmilk feeding at discharge, and those whose mothers received at least one NICU lactation consult had the greatest improvement in exclusive breastfeeding rates at discharge. This study is the first to validate the use of telemedicine as a means of maintaining access to skilled lactation support in the NICU when in-person consults are not feasible. Incorporating telemedicine can ensure access and continuity of skilled lactation support, and sustain breastfeeding rates.