Bonding, Relaxation, Separation, and Connection: Expressing Human Milk While Videoconferencing with the Hospitalized
Adrienne E Hoyt-Austin1, Iesha T Miller1, Kara M Kuhn-Riordon1
1Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA.
Summary
Videoconferencing enhances breast milk expression for hospitalized premature infants by improving bonding and motivation. This technology also helps connect the entire family to the infant during separation.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Lactation science
- Human-computer interaction
Background:
- Breast milk is crucial for hospitalized premature infants.
- Barriers often hinder breast milk expression during infant hospitalization.
- The impact of videoconferencing on this experience is underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore parental experiences using videoconferencing with hospitalized premature infants during breast milk expression.
- To understand how technology can support lactation in neonatal intensive care units.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study employing purposive sampling.
- Semistructured interviews with 17 lactating parents of premature infants.
- Inductive thematic analysis with a constant comparative approach.
Main Results:
- Videoconferencing fosters bonding and connection with the infant.
- It serves as a motivator for breast milk expression.
- It highlights the reality of separation but also connects the whole family.
- Participants reported an improved pumping experience.
Conclusions:
- Videoconferencing positively impacts the breast milk expression experience for parents of hospitalized premature infants.
- This technology can strengthen family-infant connections and support lactation.
- Videoconferencing offers a valuable tool for neonatal care and family-centered support.
Keywords:
NICUbreastfeedingexpressing breast milkpremature infantpumpingtelehealthtelemedicinevideoconferencingMore Related Videos
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