Use of telelactation interventions to improve breastfeeding outcomes among mothers: A mixed-studies systematic review

Background: Breastfeeding has multiple positive impacts on infants, mothers, and the economy.Problem: However, the global breastfeeding rates fall short of the World Health Organization's recommendations. Telelactation interventions have been shown to improve breastfeeding outcomes, yet this field has not been systematically reviewed.Aim: This mixed-studies systematic review aims to consolidate and synthesize findings on the available evidence of telelactation interventions on breastfeeding outcomes, uptake of these interventions, and provide recommendations for future lactation interventions.Methods: A literature search was conducted in six electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane, and Scopus) and one gray literature (Mednar) from their inception date to October 2021. Thirteen articles met the selection criteria, and thematic synthesis was conducted to consolidate and synthesize findings from the included studies. Findings: Three themes and nine subthemes were identified: (1) Attributes and receptivity of telelactation interventions, (2) Benefits associated with telelactation interventions, and (3) Recommendations and improvement opportunities.Discussion: Telelactation interventions were well-received by stakeholders (mothers, fathers, and healthcare providers), and receptivity was found to be influenced by primiparity and the perceived usefulness of telelactation consultations (extrinsic motivation). These interventions showed promising improvement in the provider-user relationship and breastfeeding outcomes. Future studies should make telelactation user-friendly, secure their telelactation platforms, increase communication options and built-in functions, and improve care continuity.Conclusion: This review highlighted the advantages, recommendations, and future considerations for telelactation interventions. More research is needed to pilot telelactation interventions in various regions and obtain longitudinal data with different time points.

Automated summary

This systematic review examines the impact of telelactation interventions on breastfeeding outcomes and uptake of interventions, and provides recommendations for future lactation interventions. The findings suggest that telelactation interventions are well-received and have positive effects on provider-user relationship and breastfeeding outcomes. Future research should focus on making telelactation user-friendly, secure, and improving care continuity.