Abstract
Breastfeeding is considered by experts to be the optimal way to feed infants, however access to specialized breastfeeding support through an IBCLC can be limited for mothers in rural areas. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement breastfeeding support through an IBCLC utilizing telemedicine/telehealth to mothers in rural areas of Nebraska who otherwise would have limited access to breastfeeding consultation. The aims of the study were to access lactation services through a telemedicine platform, increase breastfeeding rates at 2 months follow up and increase mothers perceived self-efficacy in breastfeeding. Self-Efficacy was assessed through the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale- Short Form [BSES-SF]. The study spanned from April 2020 to September 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. Mothers were recruited at hospital discharge, administered the BSES-SF, given telelaction services, then followed up at 2months to determine breastfeeding intensity and reassess BSES-SF scores. While study results were limited due to a completion n=6 and results were not statistically significant, all participants were breastfeeding at 2 months, overall BSES-SF scores increased an average of 2.7 points and those who were exclusively breastfeeding at 2 months had scores increased an average of 5.5 points. Future research with a larger number of participants may indicate significant improvement in breastfeeding rates and mothers perceived self-efficacy in breastfeeding through a telemedicine platform. Positive results from telelactation studies may increase support from payers to invest in telelaction services, thus increasing breastfeeding rates.