Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Lactation Care for Breastfeeding Support: Efficacy Challenges and Future Directions - Edu3C

Speaker(s):
Jessica de Souza
Kristina Chamberlain
Bárbara Tideman Sartorio Camargo
Kelly Pereira Coca

Artificial intelligence (AI) is expanding access to lactation care, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, which increased the need for remote consultations. Many breastfeeding issues have visible physical signs assessed clinically to guide care decisions, including mastitis and nipple injuries. Deep learning (DL) algorithms have shown potential in classifying these conditions through images, offering support to lactation professionals in practice and training. This work aims to (a) review studies using AI in lactation care, (b) present two DL models that identify general breastfeeding issues and nipple injuries, and (c) discuss challenges in data access, accuracy, and user trust in clinical AI systems, along with opportunities for improved outcomes in digital lactation care.