A pilot study of home-based videoconferencing for breastfeeding support.

BACKGROUND

Research on using videoconferencing for breastfeeding support is limited.

PURPOSE

Although European case reports have described videoconferencing for providing lactation support, this was the first study to assess the reliability and feasibility of home videoconferencing for breastfeeding assessment and support in the United States.

METHOD

The study used 4 real-time, secure videoconferencing sessions to deliver lactation support to 10 mothers in the home. To assess interrater reliability, percentage agreement was calculated on LATCH assessment scores from telehealth and home-visit International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) during the first 2 visits. Participants' perceptions of satisfaction and the overall experiences were documented.

RESULTS

The percentage agreement on the 5 LATCH score dimensions ranged between 40% to 100% during the first visit and 80% to 100% during the second visit. To assess feasibility, participants reported their satisfaction with the technology and their perceptions of the videoconference consultation. All participants "strongly agreed" that they were comfortable talking about breastfeeding concerns using home videoconferencing.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest videoconferencing can potentially be used to support breastfeeding mothers in their homes.