LactaLearn
- Veronica Kidwell
- Eric Song
- Shalika Subramanian
- Rida Danish
- Christina Heal-Kowal
- Iris Zheng
- Mackenzie Petersen
- David Lu
- Michelle Zwernemann
- Azadeh Farzin, MD
- Monique Solieau-Burke, MD
- Elizabeth Logsdon, PhD
- Unnathi Annapurna Shashikumar
Abstract:
80% of new mothers want to exclusively breastfeed their infant; however, only 41% meet this goal. The most common reason why new mothers cease exclusive breastfeeding is because of concerns over adequate milk intake. At-home timing of feedings is often used to quantify this, but this method can be mentally exhausting and prone to error3. A more accurate assessment can be made using baby scales, but small changes in weight during feedings make it difficult to use a scale accurately without training. There is a need for an accessible solution that allows easy assessment of a newborn’s milk intake at home. We developed a mobile application that uses a deep learning model to estimate milk transfer efficiency. Through the detection of audible rhythmic swallowing, a sign of consistent milk intake, this app can provide parents with reassurance that their newborn is receiving enough milk when breastfeeding.