Early nutrition begins with breastfeeding, providing not only vital nourishment but also lifelong health benefits for both mother and child. Breastfeeding is actually one of the most important foundations for infant health, yet sustaining it can be challenging.
According to UAMS clinical educators, breastfeeding initiation rates in Arkansas are relatively high, but continuation drops sharply, with only 23.8% of mothers exclusively breastfeeding at six months. Barriers such as breast or nipple pain, difficulty latching, returning to work, caring for other children, and the stress of traveling to in-person appointments often contribute to early cessation. For some mothers, challenges are further compounded when their baby is in the NICU or when support is simply too far away. Telelactation offers a way to bridge the gap in support, making expert guidance more accessible when and where families need it most. To gain a clearer understanding of Telelactation and its role in addressing these issues, we spoke with two UAMS clinical educators, Crystal Jones, MS, and Karina Leal, BSN.
At UAMS, a pilot study was implemented to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of telelactation. This program, carried out through UAMS, was designed with the long-term goal of establishing telelactation as a standard of care. According to Ms. Leal, the South Central Telehealth Resource Center (SCTRC) played an invaluable role in guiding the project, particularly in launching a Spanish-speaking arm. Also, support from the SCTRC Bootcamp equipped program leaders with the skills and confidence to overcome challenges and enhance both the quality and feasibility of the study.
Participants of this study were recruited through the UAMS Women’s Clinic and received four scheduled telehealth visits with a lactation consultant after discharge, along with additional support as needed. According to UAMS educators, the results were encouraging. The pilot study showed strong results, with 89.6% of participants still breastfeeding at two months compared to the Arkansas average of 39.2% in 2021. Breastfeeding knowledge scores also improved significantly, rising from 70.26 to 74.77, and the study demonstrated that virtual IBCLC support is both acceptable and effective for Medicaid patients, a population with historically lower breastfeeding rates.
Mothers described the program as both convenient and empowering. Participants stated:
“I have two toddlers and a newborn so it's not always the easiest to get them all in the car and actually go up in person to a doctor's appointment.”
“Oh, I loved it. I didn't have to get up, I didn't have to move. I could just stay at home and do it.”
“I like being in the comfort and privacy of my own home.”
“I feel really happy about it because I learned a lot from the ladies and they gave me a lot of tips on how to do things.”
Providers also viewed the approach positively, reporting that telelactation offered effective support and helped them care for patients directly in their homes.
The overwhelmingly positive feedback from patients and providers proves telelactation’s potential to transform breastfeeding support in Arkansas. By combining UAMS’s clinical leadership with SCTRC’s expertise in telehealth implementation, this program is helping families overcome barriers, sustain breastfeeding, and give babies the strongest possible start in life.
Want to Learn More?
Check out these resources for a deeper look at Telelactation:
- Telehealth Talk Ep. 24: TeleLactation Study
- Assessing the Impact of Telehealth Lactation Support on Initiating and Sustaining Breastfeeding Among Medicaid Patients,
- Authored by Crystal D. Jones, Cheng Peng, Rebecca D. Jones, Dora Smith, Karina Leal, Mayra Leal, Sophie Meyers, Cari A. Bogulski, Ashton Porter, and Hari Eswaran.
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Share this blog with a parent, provider, or community leader who could benefit from learning about Telelactation and the difference it’s making for families in Arkansas.
