August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month, a time to honour, inform, and encourage new mothers as they embark on their feeding adventures. Even while breastfeeding has unparalleled health advantages for both mother and child, the first few weeks can be stressful, with issues ranging from latching issues to poor milk production, nipple soreness, and feeding frequency worries.
In the past, dealing with these problems frequently required in-person consultations with lactation consultants, which was not always an option for new mothers recuperating from childbirth, balancing the care of their newborn, or residing in remote locations. Distance, time, and accessibility constraints are being broken down by telemedicine, which is revolutionising the way new moms receive professional lactation care.
The Rise of Digital Lactation Care
The pandemic accelerated telehealth adoption in almost every area of healthcare, and lactation consulting was no exception. Many certified lactation consultants (IBCLCs) now offer virtual consultations via secure video platforms. These sessions allow moms to receive one-on-one guidance from the comfort of their homes, often with their baby in their arms.
A 2022 study published in the Journal of Human Lactation found that over 80% of mothers using telelactation reported improved breastfeeding confidence and problem resolution, underscoring the value of digital interventions. Similarly, research by the National Institutes of Health shows that timely lactation support can increase breastfeeding duration by up to 60% compared to mothers who receive no professional guidance.
How Telehealth Supports New Moms in Breastfeeding
- On-Demand Expertise: Many telelactation services offer same-day or even 24/7 appointments, ensuring moms can get help when challenges arise, especially during those late-night feedings.
- Personalized Video Support: With secure video calls, consultants can observe feeding techniques, assess latch, and suggest positioning changes in real-time. Moms also have the option to share feeding logs or photos for review.
- Privacy and Comfort: New moms may feel more comfortable asking sensitive questions or troubleshooting issues in their environment rather than a clinical setting.
- Integration with Other Digital Health Tools: Some telelactation platforms integrate with postpartum care apps, wearable breast pumps, and feeding trackers, giving consultants a full view of the baby’s feeding patterns and growth.
- Expanded Access in Underserved and Far Areas: For rural or low-resource communities, telelactation can be a lifeline, bridging geographic gaps and ensuring breastfeeding support isn’t limited by location.
Why Digital Lactation Support Matters
Breastfeeding is associated with significant health benefits; reducing the risk of infections, allergies, and chronic diseases in infants, while lowering the mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancers. However, the first few weeks are critical for establishing a successful breastfeeding relationship, and lack of timely support is a major reason moms stop earlier than planned.
Yet, only 44% of newborns globally are exclusively breastfed for the first six months, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In the U.S., the CDC reports that while 84% of mothers start breastfeeding, only 25% are still exclusively breastfeeding at six months, a drop largely attributed to early challenges and lack of accessible support.
By making expert help more accessible, timely, and convenient, telehealth empowers mothers to continue breastfeeding for as long as they wish, aligning with WHO recommendations for exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.
Looking Ahead
As healthcare becomes increasingly digital, telelactation is poised to become a standard part of postpartum care. By leveraging secure video consultations, integrated digital tools, and round-the-clock access, new mothers gain the confidence, skills, and support they need to thrive in their breastfeeding journeys.
This Breastfeeding Awareness Month, it’s worth recognizing that while breastfeeding is natural, it isn’t always easy, and technology is ensuring no mother has to navigate it alone.