Improving breastfeeding success using digital tools
Official title: Enhancing Breastfeeding Outcomes through Digital Phenotyping
Funded at Northeastern University · NIH-10953020 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using smartphones and smartwatches can help new moms with breastfeeding by keeping track of their sleep, exercise, and support from others during pregnancy, so they can get the help they need to overcome challenges and improve breastfeeding success.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northeastern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $204,611 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD116102-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10953020 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women in their third trimester who are planning to breastfeed.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who do not intend to breastfeed may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how digital technology can enhance breastfeeding outcomes by monitoring maternal behaviors and lifestyle factors. It utilizes smartphones and smartwatches to collect data on sleep, exercise, and social support during the third trimester of pregnancy. By understanding the challenges mothers face, such as returning to work and managing mental health, the study aims to provide targeted support to improve breastfeeding rates. The approach includes passive monitoring and ecological momentary assessments to gather real-time data on maternal well-being.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved breastfeeding rates and better health outcomes for infants.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using digital tools for health monitoring, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Northeastern University
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sathyanarayana, Aarti — Northeastern University
- Study coordinator: Sathyanarayana, Aarti
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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CAB-LA PrEP for breastfeeding women after delivery in Botswana
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-
Promoting Breastfeeding to Prevent Postpartum Smoking Relapse
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-
Breastfeeding support to reduce obesity risk in children
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-
Transdermal HIV prevention for breastfeeding infants using bnAbs on a patch
A child-focused HIV prevention approach uses a patch to deliver protective antibodies through the skin to babies who are breastfed.
-
Breastfeeding, Microbiome, and Early-Life Respiratory Health
A study to see how a baby’s gut and nose bacteria, influenced by breastfeeding, relate to the risk of chest infections and asthma as they grow.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.