Educational quality of YouTube videos on enhancing lactation in postpartum mothers: a cross-sectional observational study

Aims: YouTube is a popular source of breastfeeding advice, but the quality of videos on increasing breast milk supply remains uncertain. We assessed the reliability and educational value of such content. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, YouTube was searched between July 2024 and January 2025 for the keyword “increasing breast milk.” An independent neonatologist and a social pediatrician evaluated each video using three validated tools: The DISCERN score (15-item quality measure, 1–5 per item; total 15–75), Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmarks (0–4), and Global Quality Score (GQS, 1–5). Interrater reliability was evaluated with intraclass correlation. Results: The 172 videos had a mean duration of 8.5±7.0 minutes (range 1.0–60.0 minutes) and a mean view count of 60.000±210.000 (8–1.700.000). Videos from academic institutions scored higher (DISCERN 45±12; JAMA 2.5±0.8; GQS 3.5±1.0) than those by individuals (DISCERN 25±8; JAMA 1.0±0.6; GQS 1.8±0.7; p