Using virtual lactation support to improve breastfeeding among minority mothers
Official title: The Impact of Telelactation Services on Breastfeeding Outcomes among Minority Mothers: Siteless Tele-MILC Trial
Funded at Rand Corporation · NIH-10892311 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how virtual lactation consultations can help minority mothers breastfeed better by connecting them with expert support from home, making it easier and more affordable for them to get the help they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rand Corporation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Monica, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2020 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $485,167 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NR018837-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10892311 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are minority mothers who are pregnant or have recently given birth and are seeking support for breastfeeding.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not interested in breastfeeding or who have already decided to exclusively formula-feed may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how telelactation services, which provide virtual lactation consultations via video calls, can improve breastfeeding outcomes for minority mothers. By connecting these mothers with International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) remotely, the study aims to increase access to professional support that is often lacking in underserved communities. The approach is designed to be convenient and cost-effective, allowing mothers to receive guidance without the need to travel. The research will involve a randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of this telelactation model in enhancing breastfeeding duration and exclusivity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve breastfeeding rates among minority mothers, leading to better health outcomes for both mothers and infants.
How similar studies have gone: While telelactation is a relatively new approach, preliminary pilot studies have shown promise in improving breastfeeding support in rural communities, indicating potential for success in broader applications.
Where this research is happening
-
Rand Corporation
Santa Monica, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Uscher-Pines, Lori — Rand Corporation
- Study coordinator: Uscher-Pines, Lori
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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.