Hospitalized premature infants require human milk for optimal health outcomes. However, physical separation and maternal stress often hinder the process of milk expression. Recently, a randomized crossover trial investigated how NICU videoconferencing milk expression affects pumping volume and the overall maternal experience. Researchers evaluated whether visualizing one's infant via video could overcome the psychological barriers of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) environment.

The study enrolled 39 women who expressed milk three times with videoconferencing and three times without it. Notably, the trial included mothers of infants born before 34 weeks of gestation. Researchers analyzed milk volumes, expression efficiency, and macronutrient content. In addition, they used the Breast Milk Expression Personal Experience (BMEE) subscale to quantify the emotional impact of the intervention.

Enhancing Maternal Experience with NICU Videoconferencing Milk Expression

The results demonstrated that videoconferencing significantly improved the personal experience of expressing milk. Specifically, participants reported higher BMEE scores when they could see their babies on screen. Mothers noted that the visual connection served as a powerful reminder of their purpose. Furthermore, many found that watching their infant at peace helped them feel calmer during the pumping process.

Despite these clear emotional benefits, the intervention did not change physical output. There was no significant difference in total milk volume or expression efficiency between the study arms. Additionally, the human milk macronutrient content remained stable regardless of video use. Consequently, while virtual tools may not boost supply directly, they play a vital role in supporting maternal mental well-being during a stressful hospital stay.

Therefore, clinicians should consider integrating virtual visit technology to facilitate family-centered care. Improving the pumping experience is a crucial step in supporting long-term lactation success. Ultimately, providing mothers with a virtual window to their infants helps bridge the gap caused by physical separation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does video contact help mothers produce more milk in the NICU?

In this specific trial, videoconferencing significantly improved the maternal pumping experience but did not lead to a statistically significant increase in milk volume or expression efficiency.

How was the pumping experience measured in this trial?

Researchers used the Breast Milk Expression Personal Experience (BMEE) subscale. This validated tool assesses the psychological and personal aspects of the milk expression process for mothers of hospitalized infants.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Refer to the latest local and national guidelines for clinical practice.

References

1. Hoyt-Austin A et al. Videoconferencing with the Hospitalized Premature Infant while Expressing Milk: A Randomized Crossover Trial. Telemed J E Health. 2026 Feb 18. doi: 10.1177/15305627261422093. PMID: 41706487.


2. Weber AM, et al. Virtual Visits: Bedside Webcam Use and Breastfeeding Outcomes at Discharge in a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Telemed J E Health. 2021 Oct;27(10):1154-1160. doi: 10.1089/tmj.2020.0321.