LATCH: Getting Breastfeeding Advice by Text Message to Help families
Official title: Adaptation and Evaluation of the Lactation Advice Through Texting Can Help Intervention
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11368019 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A multi-year program will test a two-way text messaging system to give breastfeeding guidance and support to new parents, especially in Hispanic and Black communities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | July 18, 2026 |
| Project end | January 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $497,397 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MD020748-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11368019 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Families with newborns, particularly those in Black, Hispanic, and other underrepresented groups in Connecticut.
✕Less likely to help
Families who do not use text messaging or prefer in-person support may not benefit from this intervention.
What this research studies
This project builds on an existing two-way texting program called LATCH to deliver breastfeeding tips and timely help to new mothers and families. It aims to reach diverse communities in Connecticut by removing hours barriers and providing support after typical clinic times. The study will test how adapting and scaling this texting approach affects exclusive breastfeeding rates and related health outcomes for infants and mothers. Researchers will use real-time messaging data and cost analyses to understand impact and feasibility in real-world settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, families could receive accessible, continuous breastfeeding support that may improve exclusive breastfeeding rates and maternal-child health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous feasibility work showed improved breastfeeding outcomes with LATCH in a controlled setting, but broader real-world results are still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martinez, Josefa — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Martinez, Josefa
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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.