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Connecting patients to evidence-based lactation support, the LactHelp multilevel implementation study

Award Number: K23HD120656
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/01/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2031

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Connecting patients to evidence-based lactation support, the LactHelp multilevel implementation study - Project Summary/Abstract The benefits of breastfeeding are well established and most mothers plan to breastfeed. However, one in five have trouble exclusively breastfeeding during the birth hospitalization and use in-hospital supplementation (formula or donor human milk) because of nipple pain, low milk production, difficulty latching, or newborn weight loss. After birth hospitalization discharge, connection to ongoing breastfeeding support is highly variable, with no medical provider clearly taking the lead in identification or referral for breastfeeding support. Research is urgently needed to fill the gap in connecting patients to evidence-based, guideline-recommended breastfeeding support through early identification of breastfeeding difficulty, and prescheduled post-discharge support. In this pilot implementation trial, I will use the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research 2.0 (CFIR) to develop and test a multilevel, health system-based breastfeeding support strategy. Components of the proposed strategy include: (1) use of the electronic health record (EHR) to identify patients who wish to breastfeed and need ongoing support—i.e., a prompt outpatient lactation consultant (LC) visit; (2) development of an EHR flag to automatically alert clinicians when patients need an LC visit; and (3) pre-scheduling of the LC visit to prevent premature breastfeeding cessation. As a pediatrician, lactation consultant, and health services researcher, I am committed to improving access to evidence-based breastfeeding support. To advance this research, I will leverage my expertise in qualitative research, and I will obtain critical training in implementation science, mixed methods research, clinical trial methods, and informatics to bridge my research career to independence through the following aims: Aim 1 Use the CFIR to refine a multilevel health system implementation strategy for breastfeeding support that centers the experience of postpartum mothers; and Aim 2 Conduct a single-arm pilot feasibility trial of the multilevel implementation strategy to increase uptake of evidence-based breastfeeding support. This K23 targets uptake of evidence-based, guideline-recommended breastfeeding support to improve access to breastfeeding help after leaving the hospital; systematically applies CFIR and an informant-engaged approach; and leverages the EHR, a promising strategy for novel interventions. This project will directly enhance my long-term career goal of conducting independent research to improve public health through innovative and effective strategies that support all families in their breastfeeding goals.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $165,276 )
2026	2026	UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS	1850 RESEARCH PARK DR STE 300	DAVIS	CA	95618	YOLO	USA	Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research	001	1	9/3/2026	NEW	$0
2026	2026	UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS	1850 RESEARCH PARK DR STE 300	DAVIS	CA	95618	YOLO	USA	Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research	000	1	8/24/2026	NEW	$165,276
														Subtotal = $165,276

Grand Total All Awards = $165,276

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Connecting patients to evidence-based lactation support, the LactHelp multilevel implementation study

Award Number: K23HD120656

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/01/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2031

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