P1033 - Using Telehealth to Support Expectant and Breastfeeding Moms During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Program Goals:
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020, an increased number of healthy, full-term newborns are being discharged 24 hours after delivery. No study has demonstrated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in breast milk, so breastfeeding promotion and education are still of the utmost importance. With shelter-at-home recommendations in place, mothers face challenges with finding lactation guidance. Telehealth allows this gap to be filled by providing breastfeeding support virtually when in-person contact is limited.

Telehealth breastfeeding support initiatives were piloted for expectant and new mothers (and families). The objective is to provide breastfeeding education by establishing interactive, support groups facilitated by lactation professionals using telehealth services.

Evaluation:
Two models were established based on experiences with the prior in-person sessions, as well as those of local and national colleagues.

Model A: Small group teaching
Several 1-hour IBCLC-led sessions (one in Spanish) were offered weekly online on a HIPAA-compliant videoconferencing platform through a consistent link. A toll-free number was provided if no internet access was available. English and Spanish flyers with link, instructions for joining, and email to answer technology questions were distributed to 150+ partners electronically. Each session was structured around opportunity for individualized questions on video chat or chatbox, with additional resources provided on slides. A separate team member managed technology, slides, attendance and the chatbox, which freed the IBCLC to serve solely as subject matter expert. Challenges addressed are listed in Table. This model’s attendance was initially limited but increased each week with additional promotional efforts. Ultimately 29 expectant and breastfeeding mothers joined across 10 sessions, including several repeaters. Mothers found the sessions helpful and informative, and offered to spread the word.

Model B: Traditional didactic teaching
A 1-hour webinar, led by IBCLCs (including Spanish), was offered weekly with unique themes on a different HIPAA-compliant videoconferencing platform. The weekly theme was sent to a listerv with a registration link for attendance tracking and for distribution of the attendee link to address security concerns. A formal slide presentation (45 minutes) was given, followed by Q+A (15 minutes) via chatbox. Presentation slides and video recording were sent to registrants with an access code for security. This model had consistently high attendance -- 110 mothers across 4 sessions, including several repeaters. Each session had a different theme, which allowed for women to select a session specific to their needs.


Discussion:
Establishing virtual lactation support groups is realistic and important. Our 5-week pilot initiative successfully created telelactation sessions facilitated by IBCLCs and CLCs. Notable challenges faced in transitioning to a virtual support environment were able to be quickly met, resulting in increased attendance and engagement. Using telehealth services allowed vital accessibility to essential breastfeeding support for mothers during this public health crisis.