Introduction
According to WHO and UNICEF (2018), breastfeeding is recommended from birth to the
first six months of life, and as a complement to the child's diet up to 2 years or more. Thus,
support for breastfeeding is essential for the mothers who breastfeeds. Currently, digital
technologies make a valuable contribution, as they allow interaction between puerperal
women and specialized health professionals, promoting the acquisition of knowledge and a
change in behavior.
Objective
Mapping the scientific evidence that reveals the contribution of digital technologies to
support breastfeeding in postpartum women who breastfeed.
Methods
There was a scoping review according to the guidelines of Joanna Briggs Institute. in the CINALH
databases, MEDLINE, Academic Search Complete and gray literature, including studies
with a qualitative and quantitative approach, published in the last 5 years (2018-2023), in
English, in full text, with a focus on digital technologies to support breastfeeding in
postpartum women who breastfeed. Search question: What is the contribution of digital
technologies to supporting breastfeeding (Concept), in postpartum women, who breastfeed
(Population) (Context - Not Applied).
Results
The synthesis of evidence from eleven articles revealed that digital technologies, whether
used by specialized health professionals and/or peer support groups, are a positive resource
to support breastfeeding in postpartum women, promoting success and continued
breastfeeding, but they didn’t highlighting specific themes. The online support provided by
the nurse midwife increases the confidence of mothers who breastfeed in the use of digital
technologies.
Conclusion
The contribution of digital technologies makes it easier to overcome challenges, regain
control and achieve breastfeeding goals. They make health professionals aware of the need
to develop strategies that promote behavior change in puerperal women and increase their
confidence.
Keywords
Digital Technology; Counseling; Breastfeeding; Women; Puerperium.
References
1. World Health Organization. WHO recommendations on maternal and newborn care
for a positive postnatal experience: executive summary. [internet]. Available from:
https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/353586
2. Galvão DMPG, Slva BEM, Silva DM. Use of new technologies and promotion of
breastfeeding: integrative literature review. Rev paul pediatr [internet]. 2022; 40:e2020234.
Available from: https://doi.org/10.1590/1984-0462/2022/40/2020234
3. Morse, H, Brown, A. Mothers’ experiences of using Facebook groups for local
breastfeeding: Support results of an online survey exploring midwife moderation. PLoS
Digital Health [internet]. 2022; 1(11): e0000144. Available from:
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pdig.0000144
Filipa Ruivo1
orcid.org/0009-0003-0060-8454
Maria Teresa Félix2
orcid.org/0000-0003-0745-0648
1Affiliation (Mestranda em Enfermagem de Saúde
Materna e Obstétrica, Escola Superior de Enfermagem
de Lisboa (ESEL), Lisboa, Portugal).
2Affiliation (Doutoranda em Enfermagem de Saúde
Materna e Obstétrica, Escola Superior de Enfermagem
de Lisboa (ESEL)/Centro de Investigação, Inovação e
Desenvolvimento em Enfermagem (CIDNUR),
Lisboa, Portugal).
Corresponding author:
Filipa Ruivo
E-mail: ruivo1@campus.essel.pt