Telelactation Support in Emergency Situations: Experiences From the Recent Devastating Earthquakes in Turkey

Breastfeeding initiation within the first hour of birth, exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and continuation up to two years or beyond, even during emergencies, are generally recommended. However, challenges in breastfeeding support in emergencies often result in increased infant vulnerability and reliance on formula feeding. This retrospective study evaluates telelactation services provided by the "Disaster Area Parent Support Group" after the devastating February 2023 earthquakes in Turkey. Telelactation, a telemedicine-based breastfeeding counseling method, was implemented to address breastfeeding challenges in disaster-affected regions. Between February and September 2023, 46 mothers received telelactation counseling. Most consultations addressed issues such as low milk supply, breast refusal, and relactation. Following an average of 9.11 consultations per mother over 16.69 weeks, exclusive breastfeeding rates increased significantly, with 32.56% of infants exclusively breastfed compared to 6.98% at admission. Additionally, successful relactation was achieved in 71.42% of cases among mothers attempting it. All mothers reported satisfaction with the support received. This study highlights the critical role of telelactation in emergencies, particularly in regions with disrupted healthcare infrastructure. While not a substitute for in-person consultations, telelactation proved effective in resolving breastfeeding issues, improving infant feeding practices, and offering psychological support to mothers. The findings underscore the necessity of equipping healthcare providers with telemedicine skills to sustain breastfeeding during crises. Limitations include the small sample size and technological barriers in disaster zones. Future research should explore broader applications of telelactation in emergencies to enhance maternal and child health outcomes.