Use of and Attitudes About Telelactation Services among New Parents

Background: We conducted a national, cross-sectional survey among new parents to explore use and acceptability of telelactation.Methods: Recruitment occurred between October 2021 and January 2022 on Ovia's parenting mobile phone application. Poststratification survey weights were used, and logistic and linear regression models estimated associations between demographics and telelactation use.Results: Among 1,617 respondents, 33.8% had at least one telelactation visit. Odds of any telelactation visit(s) were greater for parents who gave birth in 2021 versus 2019 (odds ratio [OR]: 1.69, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.26-2.25), insured by Medicaid (OR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.02-2.02), and younger parents (OR: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.32-3.34). In total, 56.0% agreed that they would be comfortable breastfeeding over video to get help, and 27.6% agreed that lactation support over video is as good as in-person support.Conclusions: Telelactation is increasingly common and acceptable to many parents.

Automated summary

This study conducted a national survey among new parents and found that telelactation is increasingly used and accepted by many parents. The odds of receiving telelactation were higher for parents who gave birth in 2021, had Medicaid insurance, and were younger. Additionally, a majority of respondents agreed that breastfeeding over video to get help is comfortable and that telelactation support is as good as in-person support.