Chua CMS, Mathews J, Ong MSB, Liew KK, Shorey S. Use of telelactation interventions to improve breastfeeding outcomes among mothers: A mixed-studies systematic review.
Women Birth 2022;
36:247-256. [PMID:
35792035 DOI:
10.1016/j.wombi.2022.06.011]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
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.
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