Is Telelactation Benefitting Birthing People of Color? Experiences Using Virtual Breastfeeding Support

Background: Telelactation services (TLS) with virtual breastfeeding support may help narrow disparities in breastfeeding rates for underserved communities.

Research Aim: Explore TLS experiences among Black and Latinx birthing people.

Methods: Forty Black and Latinx birthing people at 8-12 weeks postpartum were purposively selected from an ongoing NIH-funded randomized control trial (Tele-MILC) to participate in semi-structured Zoom interviews about their experiences using the telelactation app Pacify. A team of four coders conducted a content analysis of interview scripts.

Results: Participants had access to on-demand TLS throughout the study, and 23 (57%) used these services. Non-users preferred in-person lactation support or felt uncomfortable with video calls. Participants appreciated the convenience of TLS but wanted more non-live video options (e.g., text messaging). TLS was viewed as a fail-safe—an option if other methods were unable to resolve lactation questions and issues. Black birthing people noted that traumatic birth experiences and negative interactions with healthcare providers negatively influenced their interest in telelactation. They expressed greater satisfaction with TLS with Black lactation consultants. Racial/ethnic concordance was not a determining factor for satisfaction among Latinx participants. Participants who used TLS were generally satisfied with services and indicated a willingness to continue use.

Conclusions: While Black and Latinx birthing people were open to and satisfied with on-demand telelactation-based video visits, TLS could not compensate for major external breastfeeding barriers. Black and Latinx birthing people may be more likely to use on-demand TLS when relationships can be established with TLS providers who are racially/ethinically similar or mothers themselves.

Publication: Not applicable

Diversity and Inclusion: This presentation directly addresses the lived lactation experiences of birthing people of color.

This study was also supported by the authors:
Lori Uscher-Pines – Senior Policy Researcher, RAND
Khadesia Howell – Assistant Policy Researcher, RAND Corporation
Gabriela Alvarado – Assistant Policy Researcher, RAND Corporation