A new study by RAND Corporation has demonstrated that virtual breastfeeding support, also known as telelactation, can increase breastfeeding rates among mothers, with a notable positive impact on Black mothers. The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, reveal that mothers who received access to a telelactation service via a mobile app were more likely to continue breastfeeding for longer periods than those who did not receive such support.
Study Overview The study represents the first large-scale trial evaluating the effect of telelactation services on breastfeeding outcomes. It found that 70.6% of mothers who used the telelactation app reported breastfeeding at 24 weeks post-birth, compared to 66.8% of those who did not use the service. Although the difference was not statistically significant for the entire cohort, a more pronounced effect was observed among Black mothers. Among this group, 65.1% of those who used the telelactation service reported breastfeeding, compared to just 57.4% among those without the service.
Significance of the Findings This study suggests that virtual lactation support could be a crucial tool in addressing breastfeeding disparities, particularly for Black mothers, who historically have lower breastfeeding rates. The researchers emphasize that telelactation could become a vital component of strategies to reduce racial disparities in breastfeeding, especially when combined with other efforts to improve access to healthcare services.
Lori Uscher-Pines, the study’s lead author and a senior policy researcher at RAND, remarked, “Our results suggest that offering telelactation could be a component of a comprehensive strategy to reduce racial disparities in breastfeeding rates.”
Telelactation and Its Impact Telelactation involves remote counseling and video instruction from trained lactation professionals. It gained widespread use during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering new parents an accessible and convenient alternative to in-person consultations. By allowing mothers to receive expert lactation support without having to travel, telelactation reduces barriers to breastfeeding, particularly for those in rural or underserved areas where lactation consultants may be scarce.
The study tracked over 2,000 women across 39 U.S. states, most of whom lived in areas with a lower density of certified lactation consultants. Half of the participants were provided with access to a free telelactation app (the treatment group), while the other half received an e-book on infant care (the control group). The mothers were followed for 24 weeks after giving birth.
Results The study found that the proportion of mothers in the treatment group who reported breastfeeding exclusively at 24 weeks was 46.9%, compared to 44.1% in the control group. Among Black mothers, 42.7% in the treatment group breastfed exclusively, versus 33.9% in the control group. The study also found that approximately half of the participants in the treatment group made use of the video visits with lactation consultants. The frequency of visits did not vary significantly by race or ethnicity.
Barriers to Breastfeeding and the Role of Telelactation One of the key barriers to breastfeeding in minority populations, particularly among Black mothers, is access to professional breastfeeding support. Historically, Black mothers have had lower breastfeeding rates due to factors such as lack of access to lactation consultants, cultural attitudes toward breastfeeding, and socioeconomic barriers. By providing remote support, telelactation services may help bridge these gaps and offer mothers the personalized assistance they need.
Uscher-Pines noted, “Telelactation may have larger benefits among Black women because, overall, they have lower baseline breastfeeding rates and may have reduced access to in-person support for breastfeeding within their usual medical care.”
Future Research and Implications The researchers highlight the need for further investigation into the effectiveness of telelactation across different populations. Future studies should explore the cost-effectiveness of telelactation models to help healthcare providers and policymakers make informed decisions about implementation and payment structures. Additionally, researchers recommend testing multi-component interventions that address the various barriers to breastfeeding faced by new parents.
Conclusion This study offers valuable insights into the potential of telelactation to improve breastfeeding outcomes, particularly among Black mothers who face higher barriers to breastfeeding support. By making lactation counseling more accessible and convenient, telelactation can help reduce disparities in breastfeeding rates and contribute to better health outcomes for both mothers and babies.
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