NYMC Faculty Publications

Skilled Lactation Support Using Telemedicine in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Author Type(s)

Faculty

Journal Title

Journal of Perinatology

First Page

687

Last Page

693

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-1-2024

Department

Pediatrics

Abstract

BACKGROUND: NICU mothers face unique challenges in initiating and sustaining breastfeeding, but previous studies have focused on outpatient breastfeeding support. We conducted a retrospective study of NICU breastfeeding outcomes before and after implementing telelactation. METHODS: Pre-Telemedicine mothers received in-person support by NICU lactation consultants, while Telemedicine mothers received solely telemedicine consults after maternal discharge. RESULTS: Exclusive breastmilk feeding at discharge increased in the Telemedicine group. Notably, babies in the Telemedicine 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.

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