192: Maternal Virtual Infant Nutrition Support (Mavins) Clinic

Exclusive breastfeeding is the optimal method of infant feeding for the first six months of life for both term and preterm infants. Several trials have shown the beneficial effect of peer and/or professional support on the duration of breastfeeding up to six months. Although many well-established programs exist that provide this support in-person or via telephone, the Internet is a relatively new means to deliver breastfeeding support. Yet, mothers have a vast presence online and a clear desire to seek healthcare information on the Internet. The availability and accessibility of interactive communication technologies via the Internet provide the opportunity for developing new methods of healthcare delivery. To provide peer and professional breastfeeding support to first time mothers through a secure website in order to increase exclusive breastfeeding rates at six months post-hospital discharge. This study uses information technology to deliver an innovative and cost-effective way to support breastfeeding mothers. MAVINS was designed to have four arms: (1) text, pictorial, and video evidenced-based breastfeeding educational resources; (2) an interactive discussion forum for mothers that is monitored and facilitated by a lactation consultant; (3) the capacity for data collection; and (4) an online baby journal for text and photo entries. Over a 5-month period from October 2013 to and March 2014 a total of 200 first time mothers who delivered a healthy tem baby were recruited and followed to six months post-hospital discharge. Exclusive breastfeeding data at six months was obtained from 125/200 mothers and compared to statistics Canada data, the results are shown in the table. Our new online breastfeeding support clinic has the potential to improve access to specialized professional breastfeeding support in combination with interactive peer support. This new innovative online clinic can be readily implemented to all regions in Canada with reliable Internet access, with the potential to significantly impact the health of all Canadian infants and their families.