Established Evidence Results

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): PATIENT_CONSUMER, Educational Material, Other Education, Partner-Level Intervention, Technology-Based Support,

Intervention Description: One modifiable risk factor amenable to intervention is partner support. Having women work as a team with their co-parents to meet their breastfeeding goals have been found to improve breastfeeding outcomes. eHealth resources have been found to be accessible and feasible ways to provide breastfeeding education yet, the best way to design breastfeeding interventions for mothers and their co-parents is not known. Couples allocated to the eHealth study condition (SC1) were provided with access to a previously created, publicly available eHealth breastfeeding co-parenting website, which they could access independently throughout the perinatal period. Couples allocated to the Available Resources Only condition were informed that they could assess breastfeeding resources generally available in the community. Among couples randomized to the SC1, information was collected regarding participation in the virtual meeting and use of the eHealth resource which was assessed at all follow-up time points.

Intervention Results: Breastfeeding rates were high in both groups (SC1 63% and SC2 57% ‘exclusive’ 6 months) and (SC1 71% and SC2 78% ‘any’ 12 months) and not statistically significantly different. High scores were found in both groups in secondary outcome measures. Generally available breastfeeding resources were used in both groups with websites being used often and rated as most helpful. SC1 rated the eHealth resource provided to them highly.

Conclusion: The findings suggest both mothers and their co-parents should be targeted in breastfeeding education and web-based resources designed to meet their needs.

Study Design: RCT

Setting: Online

Population of Focus: Expectant women planning to breastfeed for the first time and their co-parents

Sample Size: 113 expectant women and 104 of their co-parents

Age Range: Adults 18 years and older

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): Technology-Based Support, , PATIENT_CONSUMER

Intervention Description: To evaluate whether a postpartum text message–based communication platform improves breastfeeding rates.

Intervention Results: From January 2020 to January 2021, 300 patients were enrolled and 216 were randomized as follows: 110 to control and 106 to intervention. In the cohort, 52.8% were Black, 45.4% had public insurance, and 46.3% were nulliparous. There were no differences in demographic, delivery, or postpartum characteristics between groups. Among the 185 patients (85.6%) with data available for the primary outcome, there was no difference in breastfeeding exclusivity by treatment group (intervention 48.4% vs usual care 41.3%, P=.33). When stratified by race, Black patients in the intervention arm had 2.6 times higher odds of exclusively breastfeeding at 6 weeks postpartum compared with Black patients in the control arm (39.5% vs 20.0%, odds ratio 2.62, 95% CI 1.04–6.59). Enrollment in the intervention arm decreased the Black–non-Black disparity in the primary outcome (20.0% vs 66.7%, P<.001in usual care arm vs 39.5% vs 56.0%, P=.11 in intervention arm). There were no differences in other secondary outcomes.

Conclusion: A text message–based communication platform was not associated with breastfeeding exclusivity at 6 weeks postpartum compared with usual care.

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): PATIENT_CONSUMER, Educational Materials, Other Education, Technology-Based Support, COMMUNITY, Social Media, Social Supports,

Intervention Description: This study investigates the experiences of women using a social media Facebook group for breastfeeding support and attempts to explore whether it has aided in extended breastfeeding success. In addition, it aims to explore the value of social cognitive theory (SCT) in explaining these experiences. Qualitativ, audio-recorded, semi-structured interviews were conducted from eight women who were members of a private Facebook group.

Intervention Results: A number of themes were identified from the women's experiences, with analysis uncovering the superordinate theme 'increased self-efficacy' which provided an understanding of how the group impacted women's experiences and aided them in breastfeeding success. The sub-themes of education, accessibility, online community, normalization, and extended goals provided a more detailed understanding of how self-efficacy was increased through group membership.

Conclusion: The symbiotic relationship between members of a social media group facilitates greater breastfeeding success and a longer duration of breastfeeding through the central concept of the SCT: reciprocal determinism. Therefore, it is posited that the SCT is a suitable theory of behaviour change which can potentially be used to develop interventions aiming to increase breastfeeding rates and duration.

Study Design: Qualitative study (exploratory, deductive approach)

Setting: Social media platform: Private Facebook group

Population of Focus: Women who were members of a private Facebook group

Sample Size: 8 women

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): Telelactation, Technology-Based Support, Telephone Support, PATIENT_CONSUMER

Intervention Description: To identify facilitators and barriers of two modes of tele-health service utilization and to compare the differences between two modes of providing tele-lactation services on breastfeeding knowledge, breastfeeding intention, perceived social support, and 3-month breastfeeding continuation behavior.

Intervention Results: No significant difference in demographic characteristics across groups was found. At 3 months after discharge, both groups reported continued breastfeeding (telephone-only: n = 17, 81%; audio-visual: n = 18, 90%) with no significant difference between the two groups (p = .663). Additionally, no group differences were found for breastfeeding knowledge or perceived social support. Overall, participants reported positive experiences with tele-lactation, emphasizing the convenience, accessibility, education, and support provided.

Conclusion: We found that both telephone-only and audio-visual delivery of tele-lactation services were equally effective. Both methods of tele-lactation services should be considered by health care providers to encourage and sustain breastfeeding behavior in mothers.

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): Technology-Based Support, Educational Material, PATIENT_CONSUMER

Intervention Description: 1) Determine if using the Mother’s Milk Messaging™ app improved aspects of breastfeeding and breastfeeding rates and 2) Describe engagement as well as themes from the qualitative feedback on the app.

Intervention Results: There were a total of 346 participants in the trial, with 227 in the Intervention (n = 154 group 1 and n = 156 group 2) and 119 in the control group. Because of minimal Facebook activity, the two intervention groups 1 and 2 were combined. There were no differences in breastfeeding exclusivity and duration. (NS). Women in the intervention arm reported significantly higher confidence with breastfeeding and perceived social support to the control group (p < .05). Greater than 80% registered the app and those that engaged with the app had higher scores with time. Mothers appreciated receiving text messages and videos with reliable information. No harm was reported in this study.

Conclusion: MMM increased confidence with breastfeeding and with gathering social supports. Exclusively BF was high in all participants. Mothers perceived it as useful and dependable especially the texting.

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): PATIENT_CONSUMER, Educational Materials, Other Education, Technology-Based Support, COMMUNITY, Social Media, Social Supports,

Intervention Description: The support offered to mothers after hospital discharge can be decisive in maintaining exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months post-partum. The objective of this study was to assess the impact on the duration of exclusive breastfeeding of a participatory intervention using an online social network--Facebook. A randomized clinical trial was performed involving 251 mother–child pairings in a university hospital in the Northeast of Brazil, 123 of which assigned to the intervention group and 128 to the control group. After hospital discharge, the intervention group was followed through a closed group of an online social network, where weekly posters were published on topics related to breastfeeding and an active communication was established with the mothers. The groups were interviewed monthly over the phone until the child reached 6 months of age.

Intervention Results: The exclusive breastfeeding frequencies were higher in the intervention group in all follow-up months, reaching 33.3% in the sixth month versus 8.3% in the control group. The median exclusive breastfeeding duration was 149 days (95% CI [129.6, 168.4]) in the intervention group and 86 days (95% CI [64.9, 107.1]) in the control group (P < 0.0001). The proportional risk of early interruption of exclusive breastfeeding was 0.38 (95% CI [0.28, 0.51], P < 0.0001).

Conclusion: This intervention had a positive impact on the duration and frequency of exclusive breastfeeding.

Study Design: Single-blind, RCT

Setting: Social media platform: Facebook

Population of Focus: Mother-child pairings assisted in the maternity ward of a Baby-Friendly Hospital who used Facebook

Sample Size: 251 mother-child pairings

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): PATIENT_CONSUMER, Educational Material, Other Education, Telephone Support, Technology-Based Support, COMMUNITY, Individual Supports,

Intervention Description: Pregnancy mobile apps are becoming increasingly popular, with parents-to-be seeking information related to their pregnancy and their baby through mobile technology. This increase raises the need for prenatal apps with evidence-based content that is personalized and reliable. The primary objective of this study is to assess whether the use of a health system–sponsored mobile app—Circle by Providence—aimed at providing personalized and reliable health information on pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and infant care is associated with improved health outcomes and increased healthy behaviors and knowledge among users.

Intervention Results: A total of 567 participants were enrolled in the study—167 in the app user group and 400 in the nonuser group. We found statistically significant differences between the two groups for certain behavior outcomes: subjects who used the app had 75% greater odds of breastfeeding beyond 6 months postpartum (P=.012), were less likely to miss prenatal appointments (P=.046), and were 50% more likely to exercise 3 or more times a week during pregnancy (P=.04). There were no differences in nutritional measures, including whether they took prenatal vitamins, ate 5 fruits or vegetables a day, or drank caffeine. We found no differences in many of the infant care outcomes; however, there was an increase in awareness of “purple crying.” Finally, there were no significant differences in measured clinical health outcomes, including cesarean births, length of hospital stays (in minutes), low birth weight infants, preterm births, small-for-gestational-age births, large-for-gestational-age births, and neonatal intensive care unit stays.

Conclusion: The use of the Circle app, which provides access to personalized and evidence-based health information, was associated with an increase in certain healthy behaviors and health knowledge, although there was no impact on clinical health outcomes. More research is needed to determine the impact of mobile prenatal apps on healthy pregnancies, clinical health outcomes, and infant care.

Study Design: Observational study using surveys and electronic medical records

Setting: Providence St. Joseph Health's Consumer Innovation Team launched app in Portland, Oregon and greater Seattle, Washington areas/Online

Population of Focus: Women with four or more prenatal encounters at one of the seven selected clinics that gave birth to a live infant at a Providence hospital in the past 4-6 months

Sample Size: 567 women (167 in the app user group and 400 in the comparison nonuser group)

Age Range: Women 18 years and older

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): Educational Material, Technology-Based Support, Telephone Support, PATIENT_CONSUMER

Intervention Description: This study was conducted to determine the effect of tele-education offered to mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic on breastfeeding success and perceived breastfeeding self-efficacy.

Intervention Results: It was determined that the tele-education given to mothers about breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic increased breastfeeding success and perceived breastfeeding self-efficacy.

Conclusion: The researchers provided a 4-week long education and counseling service to mothers in the experimental group via direct phone calls and text messages. It was determined that the tele-education given to mothers about breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic increased breastfeeding success and perceived breastfeeding self-efficacy.

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): PATIENT_CONSUMER, Educational Materials, Other Education, Technology-Based Support, COMMUNITY, Social Supports, Social Media

Intervention Description: In the United States, there are lower rates of breastfeeding among African American mothers, particularly those who are younger women. Recent epidemiological studies have shown a strong association of more aggressive types of breast cancer (estrogen receptor negative) among African American women, with a higher risk in African American women who did not breastfeed their children. This study aims to describe the process evaluation of recruitment and educational strategies to engage pregnant African American participants for a pilot study designed to determine whether social media messaging about breast cancer risk reduction through breastfeeding may positively influence breastfeeding rates.

Intervention Results: More than 3000 text messages were sent and received through WIC e-blasts and keyword responses from flyers. A total of 472 women were recruited through WIC e-blast, and 161 responded to flyers and contacts through the local health care network, community-based organizations, Facebook, and friend referrals. A total of 633 women were assessed for eligibility to participate in the study. A total of 288 pregnant African American women were enrolled, consented, and completed presurvey assessments (102.8% of the goal), and 22 participants attended focus groups or interviews reporting on their experiences with Facebook and the educational messages.

Conclusion: This process evaluation suggests that using electronic, smartphone apps with social media holds promise for both recruitment and conduct of health education intervention studies for pregnant African American women. Providing messaging and resources through social media to reinforce and educate women about breastfeeding and potentially provide lactation support is intriguing. Convenience (for researchers and participants) is an attribute of social media for this demographic of women and worthy of further research as an educational tool.

Study Design: Process evaluation

Setting: Social media platform: Facebook

Population of Focus: Pregnant African American women recruited through WIC

Sample Size: 472 women

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): Technology-Based Support, , PATIENT_CONSUMER

Intervention Description: This paper seeks to characterize breastfeeding apps, assess whether apps with higher user ratings differ from apps with lower user ratings in their tracking and nontracking features, and analyze whether the type and number of features predict user star ratings and whether an app is higher- or lower-rated.

Intervention Results: On average, users rated breastfeeding apps 4.4 of 5 stars. Two-thirds of apps (n=54) were higher rated (≥4.5 stars), and one-third (n=28) were lower rated (<4.5 stars). Higher-rated apps offered more tracking features for breastfeeding, bottle feeding, solid foods, infant health, and infant care than lower-rated apps. The breastfeeding, solid-food, and technical indices explained 17% of user star ratings. For each additional breastfeeding and solid-food feature, we can expect to see a 27% and 35% increase, respectively, in user star ratings. Additionally, as the number of solid-food features increased, the odds that the app is higher rated increased 1.58 times.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest user ratings are driven in part by tracking features, specifically those related to breastfeeding and solid foods. The proliferation of mobile health apps offers opportunities for parents and caregivers to track behaviors associated with infant feeding and other health metrics in a dynamic, detailed, and comprehensive manner. Hence, breastfeeding apps have the potential to promote and support breastfeeding among users.

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): PATIENT_CONSUMER, Educational Material, Other Education, Telephone Support, Technology-Based Support, COMMUNITY, Individual Supports

Intervention Description: We assessed whether increased use of breastfeeding smartphone applications (apps) impacts breastfeeding rates for low-income women. Women were randomized to one of two novel apps: control app containing digital breastfeeding handouts and BreastFeeding Friend (BFF), an interactive app containing on-demand breastfeeding educational and video content. The BFF app was a novel smartphone app designed based on a cross-sectional breastfeeding survey and feeback from focus group of postpartum, low-income African American women. Specifically, a multidisciplinary team of lactation consultants, perinatologists, and neonatologists designed the BFF app. The educational content included interactive advice on overcoming breastfeeding challenges, educational content on breastfeeding benefits, normal infant behavior and maternal postpartum physiology, strategies to optimize breastfeeding and pumping at work or school, hyperlinks to on-demand videos with tips and troubleshooting for successful latching, common breastfeeding positions, and using and cleaning a breast pump, as well as links to resources. All participants were given a complimentary Android smartphone with assigned breastfeeding app preloaded by a telecom provider.

Intervention Results: In the RCT, BFF and control app median uses were 15 (interquartile range [IQR] 4–24) and 9 (IQR 5–19) (p = 0.1), respectively. Breastfeeding initiation did not differ with app usage (84.1% in highest quartile versus 78.2% for lowest quartile; p = 0.5). Rates of sustained and exclusive breastfeeding through 6 months were similar between groups. Among both groups, smartphone apps were the most preferred breastfeeding resource at 6 weeks. Low quartile users also preferred alternative online breastfeeding resources: >50% of all users preferred technology-based breastfeeding resources.

Conclusion: Increased usage of breastfeeding apps did not improve breastfeeding rates among low-income women. However, technology-based resources were the most preferred breastfeeding resource after hospital discharge, indicating ongoing development of technology-based interventions has potential to increase breastfeeding in this high-needs population. clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03167073).

Study Design: Secondary analysis of an RCT

Setting: Prenatal clinic serving women with Medicaid or no health insurance at an academic medical center/Online

Population of Focus: Pregnant women at approximately 36 weeks' gestation recruited during routine obstetric appointments

Sample Size: 169 women

Age Range: Women 18 years and older

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): PATIENT_CONSUMER, Educational Material, Other Education, Telephone Support, Peer Counselor, Lactation Consultant, Technology-Based Support, COMMUNITY, Individual Supports,

Intervention Description: LATCH -- Lactation Advice thru Texting Can Help is a pilot, web-based texting intervention designed to improve breastfeeding rates among mothers receiving WIC. The two-way texting intervention provided both evidence-based breastfeeding education through automated texts adn a mode for mothers to freely exchange texts with breastfeeding peer counselor (PC). In addition to providing breastfeeding education, the automated texts were personalized by addressing the mother by name and signed by the PC. These automatic personalized texts were sent out regularly both prenatally and in the immediate post-partum period to increase peer counselor points of contact with mom via text. The web-based texting platform allowed all text messages to be recorded, and thus, the on-site lactation consultants and WIC supervisors were able to monitor and supervise all text-based communication regularly.

Intervention Results: Primary outcomes included early post-partum (PP) contact and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates at 2 weeks PP. Feasibility outcomes included text messaging engagement and mother's satisfaction with texting platform. Fifty-eight women were enrolled, 52 of whom were available for intention-to-treat analysis (n = 30 texting, n = 22 control). Contact between mothers and PCs within 48 hr of delivery was greater in the texting group (86.6% vs. 27.3%, p < .001). EBF rates at 2 weeks PP among participants in the texting intervention was 50% versus 31.8% in the control arm (p = .197). Intervention group mothers tended to be more likely to meet their breastfeeding goals (p = .06).

Conclusion: Participants were highly satisfied with the Lactation Advice thru Texting Can Help intervention, and findings suggest that it may improve early post-delivery contact and increase EBF rates among mothers enrolled in WIC who receive PC. A large, multicentre trial is feasible and warranted.

Study Design: Pilot RCT

Setting: WIC breastfeeding programs at a hospital-based primary care center and a federally qualified community health center/Cell phone

Population of Focus: Pregnant women at 18-30 weeks gestation from local WIC breastfeeding peer counselor programs

Sample Size: 52 women (30 texting and 22 control)

Age Range: Women 18 years and older

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): Technology-Based Support, , PATIENT_CONSUMER

Intervention Description: To evaluate the impact of mobile phone text messages on breastfeeding practices.

Intervention Results: Exclusive breastfeeding prevalence was significantly higher in the intervention than in the control group for the 6 follow-up visits combined (RR: 1.48; 95%CI: 1.35, 1.63; P < 0.001) and at each monthly follow-up visit. At 6 mo, exclusive breastfeeding was 43.4% in the intervention compared with 15.3% in the control group (RR: 2.74; 95%CI: 1.79, 4.19; P < 0.001). Also, at 6 mo, the intervention increased current breastfeeding (RR: 1.17; 95%CI: 1.07, 1.26; P < 0.001) and reduced bottle feeding (RR: 0.30; 95%CI: 0.17, 0.54; P < 0.001). Exclusive breastfeeding was progressively higher in the intervention group than in the control group at each follow-up (P for interaction < 0.001) and similarly for current breastfeeding. The intervention increased the mean breastfeeding self-efficacy score (adjusted mean difference 4.0; 95%CI: 1.36, 6.64; P = 0.030). Over the 6-month follow-up, the intervention significantly reduced diarrhea risk by 55% (RR: 0.45; 95%CI: 0.24, 0.82; P < 0.009).

Conclusion: Regular, targeted text messages delivered to urban pregnant women and mothers via mobile phones significantly improve breastfeeding practices and reduce infant morbidity during the first 6 mo of life.

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): Technology-Based Support, , PATIENT_CONSUMER

Intervention Description: Mobile health (mHealth) safe sleep messaging increases rates of safe sleep. Bedsharing is more common among breastfeeders. Advice to not bedshare may negatively impact breastfeeding. We compared the impact of safe sleep or breastfeeding mHealth messaging on bedsharing and breastfeeding at 2 to 5 months.

Intervention Results: Overall, exposure to breastfeeding versus safe sleep messaging was not associated with a difference in any breastfeeding at 2 to 5 months (69.3% vs 65.5%, respectively; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.33 [95% confidence interval, 0.91, 1.94]). Women with shorter planned duration of breastfeeding who received breastfeeding messaging had increased odds of breastfeeding at 2 to 5 months (50% vs 31%; aOR 3.13 [95% CI, 1.47, 6.65]). Mothers who received safe sleep messaging had lower rates of bedsharing overall when compared to breastfeeding messaging (24.8% vs 35.2%; aOR = 0.58 [95% CI, 0.44, 0.78]).

Conclusion: In this large multi-ethnic US sample, receipt of safe sleep mHealth messaging was associated with lower rates of bedsharing without negatively impacting breastfeeding rates. Future research should focus on continued development of interventions to improve adherence to both safe sleep and breastfeeding recommendations.

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): Technology-Based Support, , PATIENT_CONSUMER

Intervention Description: A mixed method pre-post feasibility study was conducted to: 1) explore the feasibility of the My Baby Now app in providing perinatal breastfeeding support; 2) examine the impact on breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, confidence and intentions; 3) to examine any differences in acceptability and impact of the app according to maternal education.

Intervention Results: The My Baby Now app was offered to pregnant women 20–30 weeks gestation. Breastfeeding knowledge and intentions were collected at baseline (T1) and 36–38 weeks gestation (T2); attitudes and confidence were collected at baseline, T2 and T3 (8–12 weeks post-partum). App engagement was measured via app analytics. Qualitative interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample following T3. Of 266 participants recruited, 169 (64%) completed T2 and 157 (59%) completed T3. Mothers without university education rated the app to be higher quality, more useful and impactful than mothers with university education. From T1–T2, breastfeeding knowledge (59.6% vs. 66.5%, p < 0.001) and exclusive breastfeeding intentions (76.6% vs. 80.9%, p < 0.001) increased. Breastfeeding attitudes and confidence scores also increased significantly across T1–T2 and T1–T3. App engagement during pregnancy predicted changes in breastfeeding attitudes from T1–T2 among participants without university education. App engagement did not predict changes in breastfeeding knowledge, confidence or intentions.

Conclusion: Future randomised controlled studies should examine the effectiveness of mHealth interventions on breastfeeding outcomes.

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): PATIENT_CONSUMER, Educational Materials, Other Education, Technology-Based Support, COMMUNITY, Social Media, Social Supports,

Intervention Description: Alongside increasing social media use worldwide, there is an expanding research focus on how social media use affects health behaviours, decisions and perceptions. The objective of this study was to systematically determine if and how breastfeeding is promoted and supported on the popular social media platform Instagram, which currently has over 700 million active users worldwide. To assess how Instagram is used to depict and portray breastfeeding, and how users share perspectives and information about this topic, we analysed 4,089 images and 8,331 corresponding comments posted with popular breastfeeding-related hashtags (#breastfeeding, #breastmilk, #breastisbest, and #normalizebreastfeeding).

Intervention Results: We found that Instagram is being mobilized by users to publicly display and share diverse breastfeeding-related content and to create supportive networks that allow new mothers to share experiences, build confidence, and address challenges related to breastfeeding. Discussions were overwhelmingly positive and often highly personal, with virtually no antagonistic content. Very little educational content was found, contrasted by frequent depiction and discussion of commercial products.

Conclusion: Instagram is currently used by breastfeeding mothers to create supportive networks and could potentially offer new avenues and opportunities to "normalize," protect, promote, and support breastfeeding more broadly across its large and diverse global online community.

Study Design: Qualitative study

Setting: Social media platform: Instgram

Population of Focus: Active Instagram users who shared perspectives and information about breastfeeding with popular breastfeeding-related hashtags

Sample Size: 4,089 images and 8,331 corresponding comments

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): PATIENT_CONSUMER, Educational Material, Other Education, Telephone Support, Peer Counselor, Technology-Based Support, COMMUNITY, Individual Supports,

Intervention Description: The LATCH study was a multisite study designed to test the effectiveness of a 2-way text messaging intervention encouraging exclusive breastfeeding among women enrolled in WIC, combining in-person prenatal and postpartum breastfeeding education and support (breastfeeding peer counseling) with mobile health technology (text messaging). Four WIC BFPC sites in Connecticut participated in the study. The effectiveness of BFPCs was clearly established in the literature; thus, the text messaging intervention was designed to faciliate the BFPCs' work, not replace it.

Intervention Results: Lactation Advice Through Texting Can Help had a significant impact on early contact between participants and BFPCs (odds ratio = 2.93; 95% confidence interval, 1.35–6.37) but did not have a significant impact on EBF (odds ratio = 1.26; 95% confidence interval, 0.54–2.66).

Conclusion: Lactation Advice Through Texting Can Help has the potential to facilitate the work of BFPCs by shortening the time-to-first-contact with clients after giving birth. Research is needed to identify the level of breastfeeding support staff coverage that WIC clinics must have to meet the demand for services created by Lactation Advice Through Texting Can Help.

Study Design: Multisite, single-blind RCT

Setting: WIC breastfeeding peer counselor program/Cell phone

Population of Focus: Low-income women participating in the WIC BFPC program

Sample Size: 174 women

Age Range: Women 18 years and older

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): Technology-Based Support, Professional Support, PATIENT_CONSUMER

Intervention Description: This study aimed to investigate the impact of introducing a smartphone-based daily feedback and counseling platform between women after delivery and a multidisciplinary lactation support team on lactation rates and various maternal and neonatal outcomes. Counseling was provided via a specifically developed application from a multidisciplinary team (obstetricians, nurses, lactation counselors, and psychologist) in an attempt to assist and counsel to maintain lactation.

Intervention Results: A total of 197 patients were recruited, 97 in the App group and 100 in the control group. The 2 groups did not differ in any background or delivery characteristics. The App group showed higher rates of lactation 6 weeks after delivery (96.9% vs 82.0%; P<.001) and 3 months after delivery (81.4% vs 69.0%; P=.049) than the control group. Patients in the App group reported excellent satisfaction from the use of the application and their overall postnatal care.

Conclusion: Our study has provided further information on the growing efficacy of technology platforms in obstetrical care. The introduction of a smartphone-based daily feedback and counseling platform between postpartum patients and a multidisciplinary lactation support team increased the lactation rates after delivery with excellent patient satisfaction.

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): PATIENT_CONSUMER, Educational Materials, Other Education, Technology-Based Support, COMMUNITY, Social Media, Social Supports,

Intervention Description: The importance of support to breastfeeding success is well established, as are the difficulties many mothers face in accessing the support they need. With the majority of UK mothers now accessing social media for support, Breastfeeding Support Facebook (BSF) groups have increased exponentially. BSF groups vary in type (local or national/international) and in moderation—overseen by breastfeeding mothers and by midwives or trained lactation specialists. Some groups aimed at supporting mothers in a specific geographical area also have associated face-to-face groups, facilitated as either professional or peer support. Little is currently known about these specific local groups, their prevalence, impact or value to mothers. This paper examines mothers' experiences of using local BSF groups and why they value them as part of a larger study exploring the impact of midwife moderation on these groups. An online survey consisting of open and closed questions was completed by 2028 mothers.

Intervention Results: Findings identified that local BSF groups are widely used and highly valued for their connection with local face-to-face services and other mothers. They offer access to expertise and shared experience in a format mothers find convenient and timely, improving confidence and self-efficacy. Local BSF groups enable the formation of support networks and development of breastfeeding knowledge that mothers credit with increased well-being, motivation and breastfeeding duration. As such, they have the potential to add value to local face-to-face services and improve breastfeeding experiences and knowledge in communities.

Conclusion: The findings have important implications to support the development of integrated online interventions to improve public health.

Study Design: Qualitative study

Setting: Social media platform: Breastfeeding Support Facebook groups

Population of Focus: Mothers in the UK using local Breastfeeding Support Facebook groups

Sample Size: 2028 mothers

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): Technology-Based Support, PATIENT_CONSUMER, Midwifery, HEALTH_CARE_PROVIDER_PRACTICE

Intervention Description: One specific form of support that is under researched is the use of Breastfeeding Support Facebook (BSF) groups that are aimed at supporting women in specific local areas, often with links to face to face support. Initial research highlights that mothers’ value these groups but the role that midwives play in offering support to local mothers through these groups has not been examined. The aim of this study was therefore to examine mothers’ perceptions of midwifery support for breastfeeding delivered through these groups, specifically when midwives played an active role in being a group ‘moderator’ or leader.

Intervention Results: Moderation was an important factor in mothers’ experiences, with trained support associated with greater engagement and more frequent visits, impacting on perceptions of group ethos, reliability and inclusivity. Midwife moderation was uncommon (5% of groups) but valued: midwife moderators offered a high level of support to mothers in their groups, with 87.5% having received midwife support often or sometimes and 97.8% rating this useful or very useful. Access to a midwife moderated group was also associated with viewing local face to face midwifery support for breastfeeding more positively. This is a significant finding, highlighting that online support complements face-to-face support in local settings (67% of groups were linked to a physical group), and improves continuity of care (14% of mothers who had midwife moderators received care from them). As such midwife moderated or supported groups have the potential to add value to local face to face services and improve breastfeeding experiences in communities.

Conclusion: The findings have important implications to support the development of integrated online interventions to improve public health.

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): PATIENT_CONSUMER, Educational Materials, Other Education, Technology-Based Support, COMMUNITY, Social Media, Social Supports,

Intervention Description: To date, most breastfeeding research on social media only focuses on content analysis, and there remains limited knowledge about the social networks of online communities (who interacts with whom), influencers in the breastfeeding space and the diffusion of evidence-based knowledge. This study, grounded in social network theory, aims to better understand the breastfeeding communication landscape on Twitter including determining the presence of a breastfeeding network, communities and key influencers. Further, we characterize influencer interactions, roles and the content being shared.

Intervention Results: The study revealed an overall breastfeeding social network of 3,798 unique individuals (users) and 3,972 tweets with commonly used hashtags (e.g., #breastfeeding and #normalizebreastfeeding). Around one third of users (n = 1,324, 34%) exchanged pornographic content (PC) that sexualized breastfeeding. The non-PC network (n = 2,474 users) formed 144 unique communities, and content flowing within the network was disproportionately influenced by 59 key influencers. However, these influencers had mostly inward-oriented interaction (% composition, E-I index: 47% professionals, -0.18; 41% interested citizens, -0.67; 12% companies, -0.18), limiting opportunities for evidence-based dissemination to the lay public.

Conclusion: Although more tweets about peer-reviewed research findings were sent compared with tweets about nonevidence-based lay recommendations, our findings suggest that it is the lay public who often communicated findings, which may be overcome through a targeted social network-based intervention.

Study Design: Outcome evaluation

Setting: Social media platform: Twitter

Population of Focus: Influencers in the breastfeeding space on Twitter

Sample Size: 3,798 unique individuals (users), 3,962 tweets

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): PATIENT_CONSUMER, Educational Materials, Other Education, Technology-Based Support, COMMUNITY, Social Media, Social Supports,

Intervention Description: As recently highlighted by the National Academy of Sciences, there is a need for the scientific community (SC) to diffuse its findings to the public more effectively online, as means to counteract the spread of misinformation. In response to this call, we gathered data from Twitter for one month from major breastfeeding hashtags resulting in an interconnected social network (n = 3,798 users). We then identified 59 influencers who disproportionately influenced information flow using social network analysis. These influencers were from the SC (e.g. academics, researchers, health care practitioners), as well as interested citizens (IC) and companies. We then conducted an ego-network analysis of influencer networks, developed ego maps, and compared diffusion metrics across the SC, IC and company influencers. We also qualitatively analyzed their tweets (n = 711) to understand the type of information being diffused.

Intervention Results: Content analysis of tweets suggest IC are more active than the SC in diffusing evidence-based breastfeeding knowledge, with 35% of their tweets around recent research findings compared to only 12% by the SC. Nonetheless, in terms of outreach to the general public, the two-step networks of SC influences were more heterogenous than ICs (55.7 ± 5.07, 50.9 ± 12.0, respectively, P<0.001).

Conclusion: Collectively, these findings suggest SC influencers may possess latent potential to diffuse research and evidence- based practices. However, the research suggests specific ways to enhance diffusion.

Study Design: Outcome evaluation

Setting: Social media platform: Twitter

Population of Focus: Influencers from the scientific community using major breastfeeding hashtags on Twitter for a month

Sample Size: 59 influencers, 711 tweets

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): Technology-Based Support, Professional Support, Peer Counselor, PATIENT_CONSUMER

Intervention Description: The aims of this study were to describe levels of perceived informational social support among mothers in an online virtual community and to determine which features of the virtual community were perceived most favorably by breastfeeding mothers.

Intervention Results: In regard to online social support specific to information seeking, the reported social support was moderate to high (M=35.53, range=17–48). Most items had a score average of approximately 3, indicating that participants perceived informational support “Pretty often” from their group interactions. Participants in this study had an average Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy–Short Form score of 57.91, indicating a moderately high level of breastfeeding self-efficacy. Content analysis of open-ended items regarding favorable characteristics of the virtual community indicated participants appreciated the immediacy of feedback and the presence of lactation support professionals within the community.

Conclusion: Mothers in the lactation professional-led virtual community perceived moderately high support in health information seeking and experienced moderately high breastfeeding self-efficacy. Additional work is needed to determine the impact of participation in virtual communities on breastfeeding outcomes.

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): PATIENT_CONSUMER, Educational Material, Other Education, Telephone Support, Technology-Based Support, COMMUNITY, Individual Supports

Intervention Description: To test the effects of weekly SMS for improving infant feeding practices and infant weight. SMS were sent automatically using a web-based SMS messaging platform from the time the participant enrolled in the study until the end (4 months later). Participants were randomized to receive SMS about infant's general health issues (control) or SMS for improving feeding practices (intervention) for 4 months. Intervention SMS were created with a focus on reinforcing WIC messages on breastfeeding, preventing overfeeding, delaying introduction of solid foods, and delaying and reducing baby juice comsumption. A total of 18 messages (1 per week for 4 months) were sent. All messages were written at a grade 5 level in Spanish for PR or English for HI.

Intervention Results: A total of 170 participants completed the study (n = 86 control and n = 84 intervention). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. At the end, exclusive breastfeeding rates were similar between groups (67.4% control and 59.1% intervention). Introduction of other foods and beverages, addition of foods to the bottle, placing infants to sleep with milk bottles, caregiver's method and response to feeding infants and distractions while feeding infants were similar between groups. Also, weight status or rate of weight gain was similar between groups.

Conclusion: There were no significant improvements in feeding practices or in weight with the intervention. The timeline of the messages in relation to the targeted behavior may have affected the effectiveness of the intervention. Earlier dissemination of messages, higher level of intensity, longer intervention, additional contacts and inclusion of other caregivers may be needed to achieve the desired effects.

Study Design: Multisite RCT

Setting: WIC programs in Puerto Rico and Hawaii/Cell phone

Population of Focus: Caregivers of infants 0-2 months old participating in the WIC program

Sample Size: 170 participants (86 control and 84 intervention)

Age Range: Women 18 years and older

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): Technology-Based Support, Educational Material, PATIENT_CONSUMER

Intervention Description: To examine the effectiveness of a mobile phone-based nutrition education intervention targeting pregnant and nursing mothers in six Sri Lankan divisional secretariat areas.

Intervention Results: A total of 996 pregnant and nursing mothers participated in the pre-assessment survey, of which 720 completed the post-assessment. Most were nursing mothers (84.2% pre- and 78.9% post-assessment). Participants provided positive feedback on the intervention. Knowledge/awareness (t = −18.70, p < 0.01) and attitudes (t = −2.00, p < 0.05) increased when exposed to the intervention. Favourable improvements in the practices were also observed. Mothers’ practices related to breastfeeding and 24-h dietary diversity showed a statistically significant improvement. However, social norms and behaviour intentions did not significantly improve. The qualitative component also revealed favourable responses.

Conclusion: The mobile intervention improved participants’ knowledge, awareness, attitude, and practices, but not social norms or behaviour intentions. This approach is recommended to be used on a larger scale in community settings. In addition, mobile technology could drive intervention in pandemic-related situations.

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): PATIENT_CONSUMER, Educational Materials, Other Education, Technology-Based Support, COMMUNITY, Social Media, Social Supports,

Intervention Description: Social media crosses socioeconomic and geographic lines and can inform and empower people, increase communication speed, and mobilize partnerships. Through the dissemination of standardized messages and graphics, social media can be optimized for the delivery of evidence-based nutrition information. In 2014, the USDA launched a mobile-responsive Web site to assist WIC staff in engaging participants and community partners. Resources included posters, brochures, videos, widgets, graphics, and BF peer counseling training. Recognizing the opportunity for spreading messages via social media, the Web site was enhanced with the addition of a social media toolkit for World Breastfeeding Week/National Breastfeeding Month (August, 2016). The goal of the project was to create sample graphics and messages based on the campaign that could be used by WIC agencies and partners to reach participants, eligible participants, and the public. Messages were developed using content from the Loving Support campaign materials and Loving Support Peer Counseling Training. Agencies were encouraged to link to the Loving Support Web site and use the hashtag #WICLovingSupport in their posts. Agencies could also customize the messages and graphics as needed to promote their own activities and events. The toolkit included Facebook covers and posts, Twitter headers and posts, a Twibbon, an Instagram post, and an e-card. A guide to using the toolkit with sample messages was created as well. The Figure shows sample images and messages.

Intervention Results: The toolkit was launched on July 12, 2016 and received 4,319 page views by the end of August. Overall there were 9,432 downloads of all Loving Support materials and 29,745 page views to the Loving Support Web site. This was a 50% increase in page views and a 17% increase in downloads over the previous month, before the launch of the toolkit. Use of the toolkit continued since August with 1,507 page views between August, 2016 and February, 2017. The number of users for that same period was 5,007 (new and returning users). There were 2,342 downloads of social media graphics, with Facebook covers and posts, the e-card, and Instagram posts as the most downloaded items. The Twibbon campaign had 36 supporters. A TweetReach snapshot report from August 2 to August 6 (during World Breastfeeding Week) showed that the hashtag #WICLovingSupport had 60 tweets from 40 contributors, 287,820 accounts reached (the number of people who likely saw content), and 362,607 impressions (the number of times people likely reached).

Conclusion: Translating policy and guidance into action-oriented messages that WIC agencies can easily use and disseminate can increase the exposure of evidence-based nutrition messages. Although it is a relatively low-cost communication strategy, social media involves a high cost in time and attention needed to maintain an active presence.8 By providing a ready-to-go social media toolkit, the Food and Nutrition Service was able to offer consistent messaging, but it also reduced WIC staff workload and reached many people with information about BF promotion and support.

Study Design: Program evaluation

Setting: Social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Population of Focus: WIC staff

Sample Size: 5,007 new and returning users

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): Technology-Based Support, , PATIENT_CONSUMER

Intervention Description: The present study aims at evaluating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on breastfeeding consultations in LactApp (a mobile application [app] for m-Health focused on breastfeeding support, www.lactapp.com) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Intervention Results: LactApp active users increased by 12,092 users (p < 0.001) during the COVID-19 outbreak and confinement and queries consulted in LactApp also significantly increased by 10,899 queries per month after the pandemic outbreak. The breastfeeding topics that significantly increased are those related to growth spurts, breastfeeding stages, breastfeeding technique, breast pain and mastitis, problems with infants not gaining weight correctly, hypogalactia, increased milk demand, and relactation. These findings are important to understand the potential of online tools when face-to-face professional support is unavailable.

Conclusion: Critical issues in breastfeeding establishment were highly consulted and significantly increased in the app during the pandemic. We believe that LactApp was a useful tool for breastfeeding support when women could not obtain appropriate support elsewhere. LactApp might be considered a powerful tool to identify critical issues of breastfeeding and trends in an automatized manner.

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): Technology-Based Support, , PATIENT_CONSUMER

Intervention Description: The aim of this study is to identify breast-feeding challenges, facilitators and assets and to describe how community assets via social media could build community resilience to pandemic’s and disaster’s effects.

Intervention Results: In phase one, breast-feeding ‘Challenges’ identified were lack of support from peers and family, lack of supportive policies, lack of knowledge and maternal stress related to political instability, COVID-19 and economic crisis. ‘Assets and facilitators’ included community support and donations. In phase two, analysis revealed how assets were being used on social media platform to build community resilience post crisis, through access to social support in challenging times, community engagement, material resources and transformative potential.

Conclusion: Challenges faced during breast-feeding were diminished due to the support and assets received on a Facebook breast-feeding support group, and social media has been shown to be an important community asset implicated in empowering women to breastfeed and to build community resilience in moments of crisis.

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): Telelactation, Technology-Based Support, PATIENT_CONSUMER

Intervention Description: To analyse the experience of Spanish paediatricians after the forced digitization of consultations due to the pandemic.

Intervention Results: 306 health professionals participated in the study Most of them agreed on the use of the internet and social networks during the pandemic, referring to mail or WhatsApp® as usual channels of communication with their patients' families. There was a great agreement among paediatricians that the evaluation of newborns after hospital discharge and establishing methodologies that allow childhood vaccination and the identification of subsidiary patients for face-to-face evaluation were necessary although the limitations of the lockdown. The idea that telephone and digital consultations have optimized the consultation time and that they will probably continue after the end of the pandemic was generally accepted. No changes in adherence to breastfeeding or the start of complementary feeding were referred to, but an increase in the duration of breastfeeding and the appearance of frequent hoaxes in social networks concerning infant feeding were found.

Conclusion: It is necessary to analyse the impact of telemedicine in paediatric consultations during the pandemic to evaluate its effectiveness and quality to maintain it in routine paediatric practice.

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): PATIENT_CONSUMER, Educational Material, Other Education, Telephone Support, Partner-Level Intervention, Technology-Based Support, COMMUNITY, Social Supports, Individual Supports,

Intervention Description: Social support for breastfeeding, in particular the support of an infant's father, has been identified as a crucial element for successful breastfeeding. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions employing digital technologies provide a rapidly evolving means of engaging fathers and providing them with information and support to address their needs related to both breastfeeding and transitioning to fatherhood. The Parent Infant Feeding Initiative (PIFI) was a 4-arm, randomized controlled trial conducted in Perth, Australia. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of various father-focused breastfeeding interventions in terms of key infant feeding outcomes. The primary outcomes were duration of exclusive and any breastfeeding. The trial arms included a control group and 3 interventions, consisting of a face-to-face father-focused antenatal breastfeeding class facilitated by a male peer facilitator; Milk Man, a breastfeeding smartphone app designed specifically for fathers; and a combination of both interventions.

Intervention Results: A total of 1426 couples were recruited from public (443/1426, 31.1%) and private (983/1426, 68.9%) hospitals. Of these, 76.6% (1092/1426) of fathers completed the baseline questionnaire, 58.6% (836/1426) completed the 6-week follow-up questionnaire, and 49.2% (702/1426) completed the 26-week follow-up questionnaire. The average age of fathers who completed the baseline questionnaire was 33.6 (SD 5.2) years; the majority were born in Australia (76.4%) and had attended university (61.8%). There were no significant differences between the control and any of the intervention groups in any of the infant feeding outcomes or level of breastfeeding self-efficacy and postpartum partner support reported by mothers.

Conclusion: This study did not demonstrate that any intervention was superior to another or that any intervention was inferior to the standard care delivered in routine antenatal classes. Further studies are needed to test the effectiveness of these interventions in more socioeconomically diverse populations that are likely to benefit most from additional partner supports.

Study Design: RCT

Setting: Antenatal breastfeeding class/Online

Population of Focus: Couples from public and private hospitals in Perth, Australia

Sample Size: 1426 couples

Age Range: Adults 18 years and older

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): Technology-Based Support, Peer Counselor, Home Visits, PATIENT_CONSUMER

Intervention Description: To evaluate the feasibility of an mHealth-supported breastfeeding peer counselor intervention implemented in rural India and the preliminary impact of the intervention on maternal breastfeeding behaviors, including exclusive breastfeeding (EBF).

Intervention Results: The intervention was delivered as intended, maintained over the study period, and had high acceptability ratings. There were statistically significant differences in all outcomes between groups. The intervention group had a significantly higher likelihood of EBF at 6 months compared to the control group (adjusted odds ratio 3.57, 95% confidence interval 1.80–7.07).

Conclusion: Integration of mHealth with community-based peer counselors to educate women about EBF is feasible and acceptable in rural India and impacts maternal breastfeeding behaviors.

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): PATIENT_CONSUMER, Lactation Consultant, Other Education, Technology-Based Support, HEALTH_CARE_PROVIDER_PRACTICE, Other (Provider Practice),

Intervention Description: Telelactation is one tool that can be leveraged to increase access to International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) in rural settings. Telelactation services connect breastfeeding women to remotely located IBCLCs through audio-visual technology. The Telehealth for Mothers to Improve Lactation Confidence (Tele-MILC) randomized controlled trial evaluated the feasbility and impact of telelactation via personal electronic devices on breastfeeding duration and exclusivity among rural mothers. Participants randomized to the telelactation arm were given an orientation to Pacify Health's telelactation app by hospital nurses. The nurses showed participants how to download the app on a personal device (smartphone or tablet), provided a coupon code for free, umlimited video calls, and encouraged participants to conduct a test call on their own device or on a demonstration device. After the orientation, participants could request umlimited, on-demand video calls with IBCLCs through the app for as long as they desired. The app used in the trial aimed to provide video calls within seconds of a visit request by a mother. The app is also HIPAA-compliant, and the telelactation services it provides involves a large network of geographically dispersed IBCLCs available to take video calls 24 hours a day.

Intervention Results: Among participants in the telelactation arm, 50% (47/94) reported participating in video calls. At 12 weeks, 71% of participants in the telelactation arm versus 68% of control participants were breastfeeding in the ITT model (3% difference, P = .73), whereas 73% of participants in the telelactation arm versus 68% of control participants were breastfeeding in the IV model (5% difference, P = .74). Among participants who were still breastfeeding at 12 weeks, 51% participants in the telelactation arm were breastfeeding exclusively versus 46% of control participants in the ITT model (5% difference, P = .47), whereas 56% of participants in the telelactation arm were breastfeeding exclusively versus 45% of control participants in the IV model (11% difference, P = .48). In all models, participants in the telelactation arm were breastfeeding at higher rates; however, differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: This trial demonstrated that telelactation can be implemented with a rural underserved population. Though this trial was not powered to detect differences in breastfeeding duration and exclusivity, and none were observed, telelactation remains a promising approach for further investigation. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02870413.

Study Design: RCT

Setting: Critical Access Hospital in North-Central PA/Online

Population of Focus: Postpartum women who had initiated breastfeeding and planned to contine after hospital discharge

Sample Size: 203 women (102 for intervention and 101 for control)

Age Range: Women 18 years and older

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): Technology-Based Support, Professional Support,

Intervention Description: The study aimed to determine the effect of breastfeeding support through social media on women’s breastfeeding self-efficacy. Methods

Intervention Results: At 3 and 6 months there was a statistically significant difference in BSES-SF mean scores between the intervention and control groups (p < 0.05). BSES-SF scores in the intervention group were higher at 3 and 6 months compared with baseline, while BSES-SF scores in the control group were lower at 6 months compared with baseline.

Conclusion: Women’s breastfeeding self-efficacy was improved through a social media-based teaching and counselling intervention. Health care professionals should make use of social media tools to improve women’s breastfeeding self-efficacy and encourage continuity of breastfeeding

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): Technology-Based Support, PATIENT_CONSUMER, ,

Intervention Description: This paper describes the engagement index customised for the Milk Man app, a mobile app designed to engage fathers with breastfeeding and parenting information.

Intervention Results: While overall, partners of participants who installed Milk Man were less likely to have ceased exclusive breastfeeding at any time point from birth to six weeks postpartum, this result was modest and of borderline significance (log rank test p = 0.052; Breslow p = 0.046; Tarone-Ware p = 0.049). The mean engagement score was 29.7% (range 1–80%), median 27.6%. Engagement level had no impact on duration of exclusive breastfeeding and demographic factors were not associated with engagement level.

Conclusion: This research demonstrates a range of metrics that can be used to quantify participant engagement. However, more research is needed to identify ways of measuring effective engagement.

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): PATIENT_CONSUMER, Educational Materials, Other Education, Technology-Based Support, COMMUNITY, Social Media, Social Supports,

Intervention Description: Many women do not have adequate and consistent social support to help them deal with breastfeeding difficulties at home after childbirth. Millennial women (those born between 1980 and 1999) have a significant presence online, making internet-based sources of breastfeeding support a potentially far-reaching, cost-effective, and convenient innovation. Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, GooglePlus+, Tumblr, and Instagram) are internet-based applications that enable the creation and exchange of user-generated content that may provide an avenue of social support. Social media breastfeeding support groups (SMBSGs) provide a cost-efficient, immediate approach to gaining social support and education from vast populations with various sociodemographics. Using 17 SMBSGs, the study team explored the variables that lead to sustained, exclusive breastfeeding to 6 months for breastfeeding millennial women who follow SMBSGs.

Intervention Results: Using structural equation modeling, I examined relationships among personal factors; competing situational demands; social support; and confidence in, knowledge of, attitude toward, and sustainability of breastfeeding. Age, education, and competing work and family demands were all predictive of social support. Breastfeeding social support had a direct effect on participants’ breastfeeding confidence, knowledge, and attitudes (F = 4.96, R2 = .07, p < .002). Furthermore, within SMBSGs, exclusive breastfeeding to 6 months was reported to be three times (66%) greater than the U.S. national average (22%).

Conclusion: Interventions aimed at providing women with resources to gain breastfeeding social support, such as SMBSGs, may be vehicles to improve women’s confidence, knowledge, and attitudes and, therefore, increase the potential for exclusive breastfeeding to 6 months.

Study Design: Repeated measures, longitudinal, mixed-methods

Setting: Online social media support groups across 21 countries

Population of Focus: Convenience sample of exclusively breastfeeding millenial women who followed at least one of 17 social media breastfeeding support groups

Sample Size: 241 women

Age Range: Women 18 years and older

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): Educational Material, Technology-Based Support, PATIENT_CONSUMER

Intervention Description: In response to the cessation of in-person prenatal education services during the COVID-19 pandemic, we adapted an evidence-based curriculum to a live virtual format entitled Ready, Set, Baby Live COVID-19 Edition (RSB Live).

Intervention Results: In a sample of 146 pregnant people, participation in RSB Live was associated with high levels of knowledge about the benefits of breastfeeding, early infant hunger cues, and recommended maternity care practices, as well as high levels of satisfaction with adaptations to the session’s content and virtual delivery. Participation was also associated with a significant increase in prenatal breastfeeding intention, a known predictor of breastfeeding outcomes.

Conclusion: This study supports live, virtual education with a standardized curriculum as an effective and acceptable means of providing prenatal education.