BLOSSoM: Improving Human Milk Provision in Preterm Infants Through Texting Support

Area of Science:

• Neonatal care
• Lactation support
• Public health interventions

Background:

• Mother's own milk (MOM) is crucial for preterm infants, reducing complications.
• Despite high initiation rates, many preterm infants do not receive MOM at discharge.
• Previous interventions like outreach and SMS improved MOM provision in term dyads.

Purpose of the Study:

• To increase MOM provision rate from 61% to over 80% for preterm infants.
• To implement standardized lactation education and the BLOSSoM SMS program.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of the BLOSSoM program in supporting NICU mothers.

Main Methods:

• A multidisciplinary team implemented Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles.
• Interventions included standardized lactation education and the Breastfeeding & Lactation Outreach via SMS Supporting Mothers (BLOSSoM) program.
• The primary outcome was MOM provision at NICU discharge/transfer for infants <34 weeks gestation.

Main Results:

• The monthly MOM provision rate increased from 61% to 81%.
• 87% of BLOSSoM participants completed evaluations, with 83% finding the program most supportive.
• SMS features like educational videos (78%) and 2-way texting (24%) were highly valued.

Conclusions:

• A multidisciplinary approach significantly improved MOM provision for preterm infants.
• The BLOSSoM SMS program, offering educational texts/media and 2-way communication, was key to success.
• SMS communication was well-accepted and valued by lactating mothers in the NICU.