Analyze the use of a free hotline service for breastfeeding mothers in Taiwan

Objective To analyze the data from a breastfeeding hotline, so to understand the change of breastfeeding problems encountered by breastfeeding mothers.

Methods The hotline has been developed from 2003 with funding from Bureau of health promotion. It has been running by Taiwan Academy of breastfeeding since 2007. The running hours are 8:30 ¨C 22:00 on weekday. There were 5 part time peer counselors supervised by an IBCLC (international board certified lactation consultant).

Fruitful Results 1.The number of call has increased from 25.2 to 53.3 calls a day. The average answering time for each call is around 12.1±11.5 minutes.Most of the calls( 64.64%) came from the first time mothers, with infants age less than one month(31.28%).More than eighty percent of the call came from mothers with babies less than 6 months old. The most common reasons for calling is not enough milk, followed by question for milk storage, obstructive ducts and medication during breastfeeding. 2.88.80% of the mothers got complete resolution of their problems after the call. 9.02% needed further follow-up and 2.18% needed referral.

Key Conclusion Not enough milk remains the most common concern by those breastfeeding mothers. Prenatal education and postnatal practical support are needed. As more mothers practice breastfeeding, the question for medication during lactation is increasing. The health professionals need more education and correct information to provide appropriate suggestion to the mothers.