A meta-analysis of 8,389 infants examined whether remote breastfeeding guidance by phone, text, or app could improve feeding practices. The study compared mothers receiving this guidance to a control group across developed and less developed regions. The analysis found that remote guidance significantly increased exclusive breastfeeding at 3 months and at 6 months. It also showed a modest increase in any breastfeeding at 3 months, but no significant effect at 6 months. Infant weight was significantly higher in the guidance groups at both time points. The benefits for exclusive breastfeeding were greater in less developed regions. No safety concerns were reported in the included trials. The main reason to be careful is that this is a meta-analysis, which combines many studies, and the results depend on the quality of those individual trials. Readers should understand that remote guidance appears to help more mothers exclusively breastfeed, but it is not a substitute for in-person care when needed.
Systematic review and meta-analysis finds remote guidance increases exclusive breastfeeding ratesRemote guidance boosts exclusive breastfeeding rates for infants
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Key Takeaway
Consider remote guidance to support exclusive breastfeeding, noting stronger effects in less developed regions.
This is a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating remote breastfeeding guidance for infants in developed and less developed regions. The review synthesized data from 8,389 infants, comparing remote guidance (e.g., telephone, text messages, mobile applications) to a control group.
The authors found that remote guidance significantly increased the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding at 3 months (RR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.11–1.23, P < 0.0001) and at 6 months (RR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.38–1.77, P < 0.0001). The effect on any breastfeeding was more modest, with a significant increase at 3 months (RR = 1.07, 95% CI 1.02–1.13, P = 0.007) but not at 6 months (RR = 1.05, 95% CI 0.99–1.11, P = 0.11). Infant weight was significantly higher in the intervention groups at 3 and 6 months (MD = 334.39 g, 95% CI 310.93–357.85, P < 0.00001).
Benefits for exclusive breastfeeding were greater in less developed regions (RR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.23–1.34, P < 0.00001) compared to developed regions (RR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.05–1.19, P < 0.00001). The authors note that Trial Sequential Analysis and sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the results.
Limitations were not explicitly reported in the source. Adverse events were not reported. The practice relevance suggests remote guidance plays an important role in increasing breastfeeding rates, with particularly pronounced effects in less developed regions.
What this means for you:
Remote breastfeeding guidance can increase exclusive breastfeeding rates, with stronger benefits in less developed regions. View Original Abstract ↓
BackgroundBreastfeeding is widely acknowledged as the optimal feeding method for neonatal health. Remote breastfeeding guidance (e.g., using the telephone, text messages, mobile applications, and so on) may improve breastfeeding rates and neonatal outcomes, but its short-term impact and effect across economic regions remain unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effect of remote breastfeeding guidance on neonatal feeding practices and breastfeeding rates.MethodsDatabases including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were screened from inception to November 2024 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the effects of remote breastfeeding guidance on breastfeeding rates and neonatal health. Time subgroup analyses evaluated exclusive and any breastfeeding at 3 and 6 months postpartum, together with the effects in developed and less developed regions. Trial Sequential Analysis (TSA) and sensitivity analysis were employed to address heterogeneity and evaluate the robustness of the findings.ResultsThirty RCTs involving 8,389 infants were incorporated into this systematic review and meta-analysis. Compared to the control group, remote breastfeeding support significantly increased the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding at 3 and 6 months (RR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.11–1.23, P < 0.0001; RR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.38–1.77, P < 0.0001), with modest effects on any breastfeeding (RR = 1.07, 95% CI 1.02–1.13, P = 0.007; RR = 1.05, 95% CI 0.99–1.11, P = 0.11). Infant weight was significantly higher in the intervention groups at 3 and 6 months (MD = 334.39, 95% CI 310.93–357.85, P < 0.00001), representing clinically meaningful gains. A subgroup analysis demonstrated that exclusive breastfeeding provided greater benefits in less developed regions (RR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.23–1.34, P < 0.00001) than in developed regions (RR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.05–1.19, P < 0.00001). TSA and sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the results.ConclusionsRemote breastfeeding guidance plays an important role in increasing breastfeeding rates and promoting physical development, with particularly pronounced effects in less developed regions.
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