Digital technologies to support breastfeeding in postpartum women who breastfeed: a Scoping Review
Published 2025-06-19
Keywords
- Digital Technology,
- Counseling,
- Breastfeeding,
- women,
- Puerperium
How to Cite
Copyright (c) 2024 Filipa Ruivo, Maria Teresa Félix
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Abstract
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.