Knowledge and Usage of Lactation using Education and Advice from Support Network KULEA NET

PROJECT SUMMARY ABSTRACT Breastfeeding has the potential to reduce health disparities associated with infant mortality and morbidity Breastfeeding rates by ethnicity in the United States show a marked disparity in African American AA women as compared to other groups Barriers to breastfeeding are complex with literature citing a lack of knowledge poor family and social support inhibiting social norms embarrassment in public lactation problems and limited access to health services as factors In this Phase STTR study our multi PI team proposes to develop KULEA NET a comprehensive integrated mHealth platform that is designed to address the complex challenges of increasing breastfeeding in AA women by promoting breastfeeding initiation and supporting exclusive breastfeeding for six months The month project includes a health advisory panel focus group sessions mobile application design development and pilot testing of KULEA NET at Medstar Washington Hospital Center Our team includes expertise in maternal and child health perinatal nursing lactation public policy quantitative and qualitative methodology and mobile development The long term product goal is to develop KULEA NET to be user friendly culturally relevant and context aware mobile platform available to African American mothers If successful the study will have a significant impact on improving maternal and child health outcomes PROJECT NARRATIVE The comprehensive integrated KULEA NET mobile health platform is designed to address the complex challenges of increasing breastfeeding in African American women by promoting breastfeeding initiation and supporting exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months KULEA NET will provide an automated personalized context aware intervention using layered communication of breastfeeding information and content social and clinical support and user engagement through timely communication and support and reminders for the mother and her support network