The recent survey was conducted by Orlando Health
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NEED TO KNOW
- A new national survey found that 51% of women ages 18 to 44 would first turn to AI, social media or a search engine for an urgent breastfeeding concern before contacting a specialist
- Pediatrician Dr. Bowers warned that generalized online advice can delay care and lacks the nuance and individualization needed in many cases
- “AI can’t look at their growth charts. AI can’t assess their latch,” Bowers said
More than half of women surveyed say they would turn to the internet before a medical professional when faced with an urgent breastfeeding concern, according to a new national study.
The Orlando Health survey found that 51% of women ages 18 to 44 would first seek answers from AI, social media or an online search engine rather than contacting a doctor, lactation specialist or family member.
While those tools can provide new parents with quick access to information, pediatrician Dr. Erynne Bowers of Orlando Health Physician Associates said they cannot account for the individual needs of a mother and baby.
“AI can’t look at their growth charts. AI can’t assess their latch,” Bowers said, per Orlando Health. “AI can’t see if there’s any oral motor dysfunction that the child’s having, which may be contributing to difficulty breastfeeding.”
Bowers said about a third of the mothers who come to her with breastfeeding concerns have received bad advice online — and in some cases, following that advice can delay appropriate care.
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“Not all babies will eat as frequently. Not all babies will take as much,” she said.
Because feeding needs can vary significantly from one infant to another, Bowers said generalized advice can sometimes lead parents in the wrong direction.
“Sometimes we see that there is a delay in their growth because of it, and then we have to go backwards, or we see a drop in mom’s breast milk supplies because AI told them they don’t need to feed as frequently,” she explained.
Still, Bowers isn’t telling new parents they need to avoid technology altogether.
“AI can be a good first step, but the next step is to make the appointment with your lactation specialist or your pediatrician,” she said.
For Sanford, Fla., mom Emily Hunziker, getting individualized help became especially important after the birth of her 10-lb. son.
When the newborn began losing weight, Hunziker turned to online searches for guidance, but she wasn’t seeing an improvement.
“I felt so stressed,” Hunziker recalled while speaking to Orlando Health.
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She eventually began working with Bowers, who helped her find a feeding plan that includes pumping, supplementing with formula and working with a lactation specialist.
For Hunziker, the experience highlighted something an online search or chatbot couldn’t provide: advice tailored specifically to her baby.
“You just can’t get that from AI,” she said.
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