Combined Newborn and Lactation Visit for Breastfeeding

(IMPAC Trial)

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Mayo Clinic

Disqualifiers: Medical complications, Pre-term infants, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 12

Duration: 1 year

246 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial examines whether combining a baby's first doctor visit with a lactation consultation, known as the Combined Newborn and Lactation Visit, can help mothers initiate and sustain breastfeeding more successfully over time. It compares two approaches: conducting both visits together or separately. Mothers who recently gave birth at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Northwest Wisconsin and plan to breastfeed may qualify if they can also connect online for data collection. As an unphased study, this trial provides a unique opportunity for new mothers to contribute to research that could enhance breastfeeding support for future families.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this combined visit protocol is safe for newborns and mothers?

Research has shown that combining newborn and breastfeeding support visits benefits both mothers and babies. One study found that lactation consultants in pediatric offices effectively support breastfeeding. Many mothers appreciate this approach for its convenience and timely assistance.

While specific data on negative effects from combining these visits is lacking, both newborn check-ups and breastfeeding support are common and generally safe practices. This trial explores new methods rather than testing a new drug. The safety of this approach relies on these routine practices, which are already well-accepted in regular healthcare settings. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Combined Newborn and Lactation Visit because it integrates pediatric care and lactation support into a single appointment. Unlike the standard approach, where newborn visits and lactation consultations are separate, this method aims to streamline care for new mothers and their babies. By combining these visits, it could enhance breastfeeding support, improve health outcomes, and make life a bit easier for new parents.

What evidence suggests that the Combined Newborn and Lactation Visit is effective for enhancing breastfeeding rates?

Research has shown that working with lactation consultants can greatly improve breastfeeding success. Studies have found that these experts help more women start and continue breastfeeding. One study found better breastfeeding outcomes when lactation support was part of children's healthcare. Another study showed that immediate breastfeeding assistance increased the number of mothers who exclusively breastfed for the first six months. In this trial, participants in the "Combined Lactation and Newborn Visit" arm will receive integrated baby check-ups with lactation support, potentially making breastfeeding easier and more successful. ^{3 4 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Melissa Thompson, CNP, DNP, APNP

Principal Investigator

Mayo Clinic

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for new mothers who are breastfeeding. It's designed to see if having a combined appointment with both a newborn checkup and lactation consultation helps improve the start and ongoing success of breastfeeding.

Inclusion Criteria

Mothers with the ability to connect to the internet and complete electronic data collection

Mothers registered as patients at Mayo Clinic Health System Northwest Wisconsin

I am a mother and I am 18 years old or older.

Exclusion Criteria

Mothers with medical complications that could interfere with breastfeeding (e.g., breast reduction)

Mothers who have no intention to breastfeed their newborns

I am not planning to follow up with breastfeeding support.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive a combined lactation and newborn visit or separate visits as per the study arm

1 year

Visits at predefined intervals (e.g., one week, one month, two months, three months, four months, six months, and 12 months postpartum)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for breastfeeding continuation rates and maternal satisfaction

1 year

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Combined Newborn and Lactation Visit

Trial Overview The study is testing whether combining the first post-hospital visit for the baby with a lactation consultation into one appointment can increase successful breastfeeding at various times up to one year after birth.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Combined Lactation and Newborn visit Active Control 1 Intervention

This arm is the intervention where the newborn visit with the pediatric provider is within a lactation consultant visit for a breastfeeding newborn and mother.

Group II: Separate Lactation and Newborn visit Active Control 1 Intervention

This is current state of care in which a newborn visit is separate and apart from a Lactation Consultation.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Mayo Clinic

Lead Sponsor

Trials

3,427

Recruited

3,221,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Establishing clear written criteria for referring patients to lactation consultants can help identify when new mothers would benefit from specialized breastfeeding support after childbirth.

These criteria are part of a hospital's broader 'Standards of Care for Breastfeeding Families,' ensuring that mothers receive appropriate assistance to promote successful breastfeeding.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A standing order for in-hospital lactation consultation. Shrago, LC.[2019]

Only 21% of the 108 primigravida mothers studied received antenatal counseling on breastfeeding, indicating a significant gap in support for new mothers during pregnancy.

Mothers who received counseling had better awareness about breastfeeding, but overall knowledge about correct techniques and breastfeeding during illness was still lacking, highlighting the need for improved education and support in antenatal care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Antenatal counseling on breastfeeding -- is it adequate? A descriptive study from Pondicherry, India. Dhandapany, G., Bethou, A., Arunagirinathan, A., et al.[2022]

A study analyzing 100 queries from health professionals about drug safety during breastfeeding found that 59% of the evaluated drugs were deemed safe for breastfeeding, indicating that many medications can be used without requiring mothers to stop breastfeeding.

The most frequently asked about drugs included lamotrigine, codeine, quetiapine, and escitalopram, highlighting a particular concern among healthcare providers regarding the safety of medications affecting the nervous system during lactation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Analysis of questions about use of drugs in breastfeeding to Norwegian drug information centres. Jahnsen, JA., Widnes, SF., Schjøtt, J.[2022]

The FDA hosted a 2-day workshop focused on the safety of medications used by breastfeeding mothers, aiming to gather data on potential risks to infants.

The discussions emphasized the need for improved data collection methods and future clinical studies to better understand the effects of maternal medication use during lactation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluation of the Safety of Drugs and Biological Products Used During Lactation: Workshop Summary. Wang, J., Johnson, T., Sahin, L., et al.[2018]

Since 2007, there has been an increase in the number of postmarketing studies required for pregnancy and lactation, but only 16% of new drugs approved for women of reproductive potential were mandated to undergo these studies.

The most common type of required pregnancy safety study was a pregnancy registry, highlighting a significant gap in comprehensive safety data for medications used by pregnant and lactating women, which is essential for informed decision-making.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A review of pregnancy and lactation postmarketing studies required by the FDA. Krastein, J., Sahin, L., Yao, L.[2023]

Between 2000 and 2022, there was a significant increase in postmarketing commitments (PMCs) and requirements (PMRs) related to pregnancy and lactation for new drugs approved by the FDA, particularly after the enactment of the FDAAA in 2007 and the PLLR in 2015.

Out of 488 new drug applications, 59 included 92 PMCs/PMRs, with a focus on safety data collection for infants and drug concentration measurements in breast milk, highlighting a growing emphasis on understanding the effects of medications on pregnant and lactating women.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Characterization of the US Food and Drug Administration Post-Marketing Commitments and Requirements for Pregnancy and Lactation. Avachat, C., Younis, IR., Birnbaum, AK.[2023]

Physician-led breastfeeding medicine clinics in the U.S. provide essential support for breastfeeding-related issues, and those established for over 2 years have shown economic sustainability, indicating their viability as a healthcare model.

Most physicians in these clinics also offer primary care services, suggesting that integrating breastfeeding support into general practice can enhance care and potentially improve breastfeeding duration and exclusivity.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Physician-led outpatient breastfeeding medicine clinics in the United States. Shaikh, U., Smillie, CM.[2008]

Integrating breastfeeding support into pediatric care leads to better breastfeeding outcomes for infants and increased satisfaction for pediatricians, highlighting the importance of meeting families' expectations.

The focus on optimal care for breastfeeding infants not only promotes healthy physiological and behavioral development but also aligns with preventive health practices in pediatrics, enhancing overall patient well-being.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Incorporating breastfeeding care into daily newborn rounds and pediatric office practice. Black, LS.[2019]

Implementing a lactation consultant for initial postpartum visits significantly improved non-formula feeding rates among breastfeeding infants, with an odds ratio of 1.12, indicating a positive impact on breastfeeding support.

The increase in non-formula feeding rates was sustained over the first 9 months after the intervention, showing that structured lactation support can enhance breastfeeding duration and intensity in a primary care setting.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Integrating routine lactation consultant support into a pediatric practice. Witt, AM., Smith, S., Mason, MJ., et al.[2021]

Newborns who had contact with a health professional within 72 hours of hospital discharge were significantly less likely to be readmitted, indicating that timely follow-up can improve health outcomes.

Mothers who received early postnatal services were less likely to show signs of moderate to severe depression, suggesting that prompt follow-up not only benefits newborn health but also supports maternal mental health.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Type and timing of services following postnatal discharge: do they make a difference? Goulet, L., D'Amour, D., Pineault, R.[2015]

The demand for lactation support in primary care has risen, highlighting the importance of pediatric nurse practitioners who can assess both newborns and breastfeeding mothers.

Key factors for successful breastfeeding include good infant weight gain, maternal comfort, and achieving a proper latch, which are essential for effective lactation consultations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The lactation consult: problem solving, teaching, and support for the breastfeeding family. Dann, MH.[2007]

The Trifecta Breastfeeding Approach, which includes a pediatrician, lactation consultant, and clinical psychologist, effectively addresses the complex challenges of breastfeeding by focusing on medical care, breastfeeding difficulties, and the mother-infant relationship.

This multidisciplinary model not only improves breastfeeding outcomes but also screens for mood disorders and considers family dynamics, suggesting that integrated care could become more common in healthcare systems as reimbursement for such services increases.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Trifecta approach to breastfeeding: clinical care in the integrated mental health model. Bunik, M., Dunn, DM., Watkins, L., et al.[2014]

Citations

1. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26644419/

The Effectiveness of Lactation Consultants and ... It was found that breastfeeding interventions using lactation consultants and counselors increase the number of women initiating breastfeeding.

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11934809/

The effectiveness of real-time telelactation intervention on ... The results showed that real-time telelactation services had a statistically significant positive effect on the EBF rate during the first six months compared ...

3. i-jmr.org i-jmr.org/2025/1/e70098

Lactation Consultant Access and Breastfeeding Outcomes ... Lactation consultants are effective at improving breastfeeding outcomes, including exclusivity, duration, self-efficacy, and maternal mental ...

4. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/51205454_Integrating_Routine_Lactation_Consultant_Support_into_a_Pediatric_Practice

Integrating Routine Lactation Consultant Support into a ... Studies have documented improvement in breastfeeding rates using a protocol whereby all breastfeeding mothers received a single lactation ...

5. bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12884-024-06963-5

Mothers prefer a hybrid model of postpartum care Some PPMs preferred combining lactation and doctor consultations for prompt and optimal support. One PPM suggested adding a mental health ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12288860/

Lactation Consultant Access & Breastfeeding Outcomes US The aim of this study is to determine whether state-level IBCLC density is associated with breastfeeding initiation and exclusive breastfeeding ...

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10377769/

Is the Frequency of Postpartum Breastfeeding Counseling ... We were surprised to observe that only around one third of the women received breastfeeding counseling, despite 75% of the women in the study ...

8. liebertpub.com liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/bfm.2024.56284.abstracts

Abstracts | Breastfeeding Medicine Lower water intake and higher fat intake increase the risk of lactational breast engorgement, typically occurring around four days postpartum.