A Comparison of Audio-Only and Audio-Visual Tele-Lactation Consultation Services: A Mixed Methods Approach. (February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bogulski, Cari A.; Payakachat, Nalin; Rhoads, Sarah J.; Jones, Rebecca D.; McCoy, Hannah C.; Dawson, Leah C.; Eswaran, Hari
• Is Part Of: Journal of human lactation. Volume 39:Number 1(2023)
• Page Start: 93
• Page End: 106
• Publication Date: 2023-02
• Subjects: breastfeeding -- breastfeeding support program -- Infant Feeding Intentions Scale -- International Board Certified Lactation Consultant -- mixed methods -- Social Support Scale -- telehealth -- tele-lactation -- United States; Breastfeeding -- Periodicals; Lactation -- Periodicals; 612.664
• DOI: 10.1177/08903344221125118
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0890-3344

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.