During the pandemic, it was difficult for new moms to get training on how to breastfeed their babies, so Intermountain Health came up with an alternative option — outpatient video visits.

The visits were well received, so last month, Intermountain Health developed a program called Connect Care. The program offers telehealth visits to new moms who have questions or concerns about breastfeeding. Visits are conducted with a board-certified lactation consultant.

“It’s often day three or day four after childbirth when breastfeeding is the hardest,” said Dr. Maurine Cobabe, associate medical director for telehealth services at Intermountain Health.

Cobabe, who leads the program, also said that’s typically the time after moms have returned home from the hospital and their milk is transitioning from colostrum to full volume.

“They’re on their own to continue breastfeeding without the help of nurses or lactation consultants in the hospital,” she said. “It’s common to have challenges with breastfeeding. There can be a learning curve for first time moms, and even for moms who’ve breastfed before. Every baby’s anatomy is unique and their coordination and learning to latch on can vary.”

Madeline Peterson, a patient who recently had a telehealth visit, said she has three children under the age of 3, so it’s easier for her to stay home and have a virtual appointment rather than going in person.

“I had a clogged milk duct and was able to get that resolved through a telehealth visit,” she said. “I had this same problem with my second child also, but I never got help from a lactation consultant and it was painful and continued for a couple of months. I wish I’d reached out for help back then too.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 92% of moms in Utah initiate breastfeeding, However, by six months, only 64% are still breastfeeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends mothers breastfeed up to two years.

Dr. Sean Esplin, an OB/GYN and maternal fetal medical specialist who’s also the senior medical director at Intermountain Health, said research shows that breastfeeding moms have lower incidences of breast and ovarian cancer, Type 2 diabetes and postpartum depression.

“And long-term breastfeeding, up to two years, is associated with protections against diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancers of the breast and ovaries,” he said. “That is why, at Intermountain Health, we’re working to support pregnant and new moms who want to breastfeed at every point of care, from prenatal appointments to hospital stays and postpartum visits.”

Telehealth lactation consultations are an important way to bridge the care from hospital to home, at the critical time for new moms and their babies, he said.

“Research has found that breast milk is the best food for infants and breastfeeding is associated with decreased risk for infant morbidity and mortality,” said Dr. Peter Lindgren, associate medical director for well newborn care at Intermountain Health.

“Under a new initiative at Intermountain Health and with the American Academy of Pediatrics, recent support of the ‘benefits of breastfeeding beyond one year,’ our pediatricians are helping to support breastfeeding moms and their babies not only at the first well check visit for their newborn, but at subsequent checkups during the baby’s first years and as long as a mom continues to breastfeed,” he said.

The program is available in Utah and Idaho and plans are to expand the service to Colorado and Montana next month.

To learn more, go to intermountainhealth.org or call 385-297-MILK. A virtual breastfeeding class is also available for expectant parents. The one-session, two-hour class costs $15.

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