New Technologies to Promote Breastfeeding

Introduction

Breastfeeding is a natural and essential process for both the mother and the baby. It has numerous benefits for the baby's health, including reducing the risk of infections, sudden infant death syndrome, and chronic diseases. For mothers, breastfeeding can lower the likelihood of developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and type 2 diabetes.

Despite these benefits, many mothers struggle with breastfeeding due to a lack of support or resources. Educating women about breastfeeding even before conception has a significant role in their decision to breastfeed. In the past few years, a variety of modern technologies have surfaced, that can help promote and support breastfeeding.

How Do Social Networks Help in Promoting Breastfeeding?

Social media has become a large online support network and a favorite internet tool for many mothers in recent years. It provides a platform for mothers to connect, share their experiences, and access information and resources related to breastfeeding.

Commonly Used Social Networks

Various studies have been made about the use and preferences of technology to get perinatal and breastfeeding support. Commonly used information technologies, according to one study, are

• Applications.

• Internet.

• Websites about pregnancy and parenthood.

• E-mail.

• Additionally, other sources that were used are

  • Facebook and other social media platforms.

  • Google.

  • Online videos.

  • Online courses and classes.

  • Text messages.

  • Ebooks and podcasts.

  • Electronic medical journals.

  • Peer forums.

Most Consumed Content About Breastfeeding on Social Networks.

According to a study done by Demirci et al., most consumed contents included the following.

• Support, expectations, and encouragement about breastfeeding during postpartum.

• Advantages, techniques, and problems of breastfeeding.

• Confidence and empowerment in parental skills.

• Early introduction of formula and its concerns.

• Signs of adequate milk production and child nutrition.

• Advice from experts and colleagues.

Advantages of Social Networks in Promoting Breastfeeding.

Promotion of breastfeeding in social networks has the following advantages.

• Support and education outside the doctor's office.

• Social networks help health professionals to publicize scientifically solid information about breastfeeding and other aspects of motherhood.

• The use of social networks supports people in distant communities.

• Support for the mothers through various support groups can increase their confidence in their parental skills.

• Experiences about pregnancy, child care, and breastfeeding can be shared with a larger population.

• Social networks facilitate mothers to socialize with other mothers.

• It offers a simpler way of accessing information and getting emotional help and encouragement.

• Social networks also help in clarifying doubts related to pregnancy and child care.

Disadvantages of Social Networks.

• Mothers can become overwhelmed due to the vast amount of information available on social networks.

• Social networks also consume too much time for the mother by offering a large amount of information.

• Using technology while breastfeeding may prevent the mothers from making eye contact or interacting with their babies.

• Many are at a disadvantage due to a lack of access to the internet and computers. The high cost also plays a role in availability to all people.

What Is the Role of Breastfeeding Apps in Promoting Breastfeeding?

One of the most significant new technologies for promoting breastfeeding is breastfeeding apps. These apps can provide information and support for breastfeeding mothers, making it easier for them to navigate the breastfeeding experience. There are numerous breastfeeding apps available, and each offers unique features and benefits.

Some features of breastfeeding apps include

• Tracking tools to monitor feeding times.

• Tracking tools for baby weight And diaper changes.

• Videos, articles, and forums where mothers can connect with other breastfeeding mothers and share their experiences.

• Some apps even offer virtual lactation consultants where mothers can consult with lactation consultants via video call, phone call, or text messaging.

These tracking tools can help mothers identify any issues or patterns in their baby's feeding habits. Mothers can receive assistance in monitoring their baby's adequate milk intake and appropriate weight gain through the aid of these tracking tools.

What Is the Role of Wearable Technology in Promoting Breastfeeding?

Another new technology that can promote breastfeeding is wearable technology. Wearing technologies such as breastfeeding monitors or breast pumps, can help track their milk production and feeding patterns. This technology can provide useful feedback for mothers to optimize their breastfeeding experience.

• Breastfeeding Monitors - Breastfeeding monitors, like willow pumps, are wearable devices that can be worn discreetly under clothing. They monitor milk production and alert the mother when the milk bag is full. This technology can help mothers ensure that they are producing enough milk and can also make pumping more comfortable and convenient.

• Breast Pumps - Wearable breast pumps can be worn inside a nursing bra. These pumps are silent and hands-free, allowing mothers to pump discreetly and efficiently. They can also connect to a smartphone app, allowing mothers to track their milk production and pumping sessions.

• Smart Bras - These are newer technologies that have been founded in recent years.

  • Nextiles is a smart fabric technology brand. This brand has collaborated with Lilu, a bra company, to manufacture flexible sensor-embedded advanced breast-pumping massage bras. The sensors in the bra help the mothers by collecting data about their lactation and helping them to reach their breastfeeding goals.

  • A new project called the EU-funded Presque project was started in the year 2020. This project helps in promoting breastfeeding by developing a smart nursing bra with features like fluid delivery systems to deliver supplemental milk during breastfeeding, bio-sensors, and machine learning to monitor breast milk flow and support the natural lactation cycle.

How Do Virtual Lactation Consultants Promote Breastfeeding?

With the rise of telehealth, virtual lactation consultations are becoming more common. Virtual lactation consultations can be particularly helpful for mothers who live remotely or in rural areas, where access to lactation consultants may be limited. These virtual consultations can come in handy for mothers who are medically or otherwise unable to step out of their houses.

How Do Breastfeeding-Friendly Workplace Technologies Promote Breastfeeding?

Many workplaces are implementing technologies to support breastfeeding mothers, including lactation rooms with comfortable chairs, breast pumps, and refrigerators to store breast milk.

Newer Technologies and Studies.

• Stanford Medicine researchers have developed an educational video series for promoting breastfeeding in South Africa. They followed the entertainment-education method by designing educational and entertaining content and then delivering it on tablets to the mothers. They also compared breastfeeding among mothers who received face-to-face consultations versus the mothers who saw the video series, but no significant changes between the two groups were found.

• Public Health England (PHE) in order to promote breastfeeding started an initiative in their Start4life digital services. They developed a new tool called breastfeeding friend. This tool can be activated in the Alexa app. It provides quick tips and also answers questions about breastfeeding.

Conclusion

Newer technologies are being developed for the promotion of breastfeeding. These technologies can provide helpful support and resources for mothers who want to breastfeed, making it easier for them to navigate the breastfeeding experience.