The Effect of Postpartum Digital Lactation Counseling on Breastfeeding Outcomes: A Systematic Review

Background/Objectives: This systematic review evaluated the effects of digital lactation counseling interventions delivered during the postpartum period on breastfeeding self-efficacy, breastfeeding success, and exclusive breastfeeding. Methods: This systematic review adhered to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261442948). The databases PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and MEDLINE were systematically searched for studies published from 2015 to 2025. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials with accessible full texts that evaluated digital lactation counseling interventions and reported quantitative breastfeeding outcomes. Methodological quality was appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist, and findings were synthesized narratively. Results: Of 881 records identified, 602 remained after deduplication and 38 underwent full-text assessment. Reassessment retained 16 trial reports, including one face-to-face educational intervention with telephone outcome follow-up. Several studies reported higher breastfeeding self-efficacy, but differences in instruments, analyses, and follow-up limited comparison. Exclusive breastfeeding effects varied: some studies favored intervention, whereas other confidence intervals included no difference. Evidence on breastfeeding performance came from two studies using different instruments and did not show a consistent effect. Conclusions: Digital lactation support may improve confidence and selected breastfeeding outcomes as an adjunct to postpartum care. The magnitude and durability of benefit remain uncertain because of clinical and methodological heterogeneity, incomplete follow-up and limitations in outcome reporting. Direct comparisons and better standardized outcome assessment are needed before recommending one digital support model over another.