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.

中文翻译：

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在新生儿重症监护室使用远程医疗提供熟练的哺乳支持

背景

新生儿重症监护病房的母亲在开始和维持母乳喂养方面面临着独特的挑战，但之前的研究主要集中在门诊母乳喂养支持上。我们对实施远程哺乳前后 NICU 母乳喂养的结果进行了回顾性研究。

方法

远程医疗前的母亲接受 NICU 哺乳顾问的现场支持，而远程医疗的母亲在产妇出院后仅接受远程医疗咨询。

结果

远程医疗组出院时纯母乳喂养有所增加。值得注意的是，远程医疗队列中入院时喂食任何配方奶粉的婴儿在出院时纯母乳喂养率显着改善，而那些母亲至少接受过一次新生儿重症监护室哺乳咨询的婴儿在出院时纯母乳喂养率改善最大。

结论

这项研究首次验证了远程医疗的使用，作为在无法亲自咨询时在新生儿重症监护病房 (NICU) 中维持获得熟练哺乳支持的手段。纳入远程医疗可以确保熟练哺乳支持的获取和连续性，并维持母乳喂养率。