Contributions of mobile applications on the breastfeeding practice: integrative review

Abstract

Objective

To identify the contributions of mobile applications on the breastfeeding practice.

Methods

Integrative literature review of CINAHL, BDENF, Medline/PubMed, Scopus, LILACS, Web of Science, Cocharane and Scielo virtual libraries to answer the guiding question: What are the contributions of mobile applications to breastfeeding?. The searches occurred between September and November of 2017, using the descriptors “mobile applications”, “breastfeeding”, “postpartum period”, “pregnant women”, and “social support”. After the combination of these descriptors, 530 articles were identified, and when applying the eligibility criteria, nine studies remained, which were assessed for methodological rigor and level of evidence. During data extraction, a validated and adapted instrument was used.

Results

Mobile applications that contributed to breastfeeding were informative. They provided guidance on the promotion of breastfeeding, infant feeding, use of alcohol during breastfeeding, and breastfeeding positions. Several applications were used to evaluate problems, experiences, and barriers to breastfeeding; frequency of breastfeeding; use of formula or complementary feeding. The applications that used the social network to support breastfeeding, and those which were subjected to the evaluation processes showed little expressiveness.

Conclusion

The applications were developed only with purpose of informative support in breastfeeding for the nursing mothers and their social network. However, some gaps were identified in the quality of information, usability, acceptability, and effectiveness of these applications, and it was not evident whether the development of these applications was supported by the scientific literature.

Mobile applications; Breast feeding; Postpartum period; Pregnancy; Social support