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Abstract

Background:

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life; however, a lack of access to breastfeeding resources influences breastfeeding initiation and continuation. Tele-lactation services may reduce some of these barriers to access.

Research Aims:

To identify facilitators and barriers of two modes of tele-health service utilization and to compare the differences between two modes of providing tele-lactation services on breastfeeding knowledge, breastfeeding intention, perceived social support, and 3-month breastfeeding continuation behavior.

Methods:

We conducted a mixed method, longitudinal pilot study utilizing prospective convenience sampling and random assignment of postpartum women recruited from two medical centers in Little Rock, Arkansas. Participants (N = 43) were randomized into telephone-only (n = 23) or audio-visual (n = 20) intervention groups. Participants completed a self-administered pre- and post-intervention survey, as well as a semi-structured qualitative phone interview at 4–6 weeks post-discharge.

Results:

No significant difference in demographic characteristics across groups was found. At 3 months after discharge, both groups reported continued breastfeeding (telephone-only: n = 17, 81%; audio-visual: n = 18, 90%) with no significant difference between the two groups (p = .663). Additionally, no group differences were found for breastfeeding knowledge or perceived social support. Overall, participants reported positive experiences with tele-lactation, emphasizing the convenience, accessibility, education, and support provided.

Conclusion:

We found that both telephone-only and audio-visual delivery of tele-lactation services were equally effective. Both methods of tele-lactation services should be considered by health care providers to encourage and sustain breastfeeding behavior in mothers.

Keywords

breastfeeding breastfeeding support program Infant Feeding Intentions Scale International Board Certified Lactation Consultant mixed methods Social Support Scale telehealth tele-lactation United States

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A Comparison of Audio-Only and Audio-Visual Tele-Lactation Consultation Services: A Mixed Methods Approach

Abstract

Background:

Research Aims:

Methods:

Results:

Conclusion:

Keywords

Get full access to this article

References

Supplementary Material