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Biomarker-based text messages to promote lactation success in mothers of critically Ill infants: a randomized controlled pilot study

Journal of Perinatology (2024)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Objective

Infrequent breast pumping limits mother’s own milk production in mothers of infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. We aimed to determine the feasibility and benefit of biomarker-based personalized text messages on pumping frequency and milk sodium levels. A secondary aim examined lactation outcomes.

Study design

In this randomized controlled pilot study, 51 mothers were randomized to receive personalized text messages regarding pumping frequency or standard care.

Results

There were no differences in pumped milk volume or sodium level, however, there was a trend towards the intervention group pumping more frequently, which was significant on day 5 (p = 0.035), and they lactated nearly 9 days longer. Post-hoc analysis found the intervention group tended to be more likely to pump ≥ 500 mL by day14 (p = 0.08), a marker of long-term lactation success.

Conclusion

Personalized biomarker-based text messages are feasible and may support lactation in mothers of critically ill infants.

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Fig. 1: Enrollment diagram.

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Data availability

The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Funding

Funding

This work was supported by a grant from the University of Florida. This sponsor had no role in the study design; collection, analysis, or interpretation of data; writing of the report; or the decision to submit the report for publication.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Florida, Gainesville, USA

    Leslie A. Parker, Deepthi Varma, Marion M. Bendixen, Sandra Sullivan & Nicole Cacho

  2. Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA

    Mueller Martina

Authors
  1. Leslie A. Parker
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  2. Deepthi Varma
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  3. Marion M. Bendixen
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  4. Sandra Sullivan
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  5. Nicole Cacho
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  6. Mueller Martina
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Contributions

Leslie Parker made substantial contributions to the conception, design, and interpretation of data, drafted the original version, revised it critically, and provided final approval of the final version. Deepthi Varma made substantial contributions to the conception, design, and interpretation of data, critically revised the manuscript, and provided final approval of the final version. Sandra Sullivan made substantial contributions to the conception, design, and interpretation of data, critically revised the manuscript, and provided final approval of the final version. Nicole Cacho made substantial contributions to the conception, design, and interpretation of data, critically revised the manuscript, and provided final approval of the final version. Marion Bendixen made substantial contributions to the conception, design, and interpretation of data, critically revised the manuscript, and provided final approval of the final version. Martina Mueller made substantial contributions to the design, analysis and interpretation of data, critically revised the manuscript, and provided final approval of the final version.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Leslie A. Parker.

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Parker, L.A., Varma, D., Bendixen, M.M. et al. Biomarker-based text messages to promote lactation success in mothers of critically Ill infants: a randomized controlled pilot study. J Perinatol (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-024-01975-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-024-01975-7

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