Digital and Innovative Applications Used in the Breastfeeding Process
Chapter from the book:
Bulut,
Ö.
Ü.
(ed.)
2026.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Women's Health: Digital and Innovative Healthcare Applications.
Synopsis
Breastfeeding is one of the most important feeding practices that supports the healthy growth and development of infants. However, the breastfeeding process is influenced by many physiological, psychosocial, and environmental factors, and mothers may encounter various challenges during this period. In recent years, the development of digital health technologies has enabled the emergence of new approaches to breastfeeding support. Mobile health applications, telehealth and tele-lactation services, wearable technologies, sensor-based systems, and artificial intelligence–supported digital tools are increasingly being used to support the breastfeeding process. These digital interventions facilitate mothers’ access to reliable information about breastfeeding, enable monitoring of the breastfeeding process, and strengthen communication with healthcare professionals. In particular, digital counseling and remote monitoring applications provided during the postpartum period can contribute to the early identification of breastfeeding problems and the continuation of breastfeeding. Nevertheless, certain limitations such as data security, privacy, digital health literacy, and cultural appropriateness should also be considered when using digital health technologies. Therefore, healthcare professionals have an important responsibility in ensuring that digital breastfeeding applications are used in a safe, ethical, and evidence-based manner. In this context, this book chapter aims to provide comprehensive information on digital and innovative applications used in the breastfeeding process.
