The real world risk of AI breastfeeding advice

For sleep-deprived nursing moms, artificial intelligence may feel like a lifeline.

In fact, a new national survey from Orlando Health reveals if women ages 18 to 44 had an urgent breastfeeding question or concern:

• Half (51%) of them would first turn to an AI chatbot, social media or a search engine
• 29% would first ask a healthcare professional (doctor or lactation consultant)
• 21% would first reach out to a family member or friend

“There are certain questions that can’t be answered by AI,” said Erynne Bowers, M.D., a pediatrician with Orlando Health Physician Associates – Lake Mary Pediatrics. “AI can’t look at their growth charts. AI can’t assess their latch. AI can’t see if there’s any oral motor dysfunction that the child is having, which may be contributing to difficulty breastfeeding.”

About a third of the moms who come to Dr. Bowers with breastfeeding questions have received bad advice from AI, including the exact amount to feed their babies and how often.

“Not all babies are the same,” Dr. Bowers said. “Not all babies will eat as frequently. Not all babies will take as much.”

Dr. Bowers warns parents about relying strictly on advice from an online search. It can inadvertently lead to delays in care for baby and mom.

“They’re going to be more apprehensive to schedule the lactation appointment or the in-office appointment,” Dr. Bowers said. “Sometimes, we see that there is a delay in a baby’s growth because of it, and then we have to go backwards. Or we see a drop in mom’s breast milk supply because AI told them they don’t need to feed as frequently.”

Emily Hunziker, a mother of two sons from Sanford, FL, had trouble exclusively breastfeeding her youngest, Luca. He was born at almost 10 pounds but started losing weight so she searched online for answers.

“Everyone has their phone. For moms, I think it’s a blessing and a curse,” Hunziker said. “I love the little AI snippets that when I search something online, it gives me the synopsis of the answer, but you have to check your source.”

Hunziker ultimately relied on the source she trusts most: Dr. Bowers, Luca’s pediatrician. They worked together to balance Hunziker’s preferred breastfeeding experience with Luca’s evolving nutritional needs, which included seeing a lactation specialist, pumping, bottle feeding and supplementing with formula.

“He’s just thriving now, his little chunky self,” Hunziker said. “We love breastfeeding, and I love that Dr. Bowers respected my wishes. As long as it was safe for my baby, she gave us that time and that ability to work toward that goal. You just can’t get that from AI.”

Dr. Bowers always recommends three evidence-based resources to patients when a doctor cannot be just a call away: Orlando Health’s Breastfeeding Education and Support, Healthy Children by the American Academy of Pediatrics and La Leche League International.

Dr. Bowers said if parents are willing and able to breastfeed, it benefits both baby and mom, decreasing the risk of issues such as ear infections, asthma, Type 1 diabetes and autoimmune conditions for the child and breast and cervical cancer and heart disease for the mother.

“That’s why having those important conversations with parents and really seeing their goals is what I work for,” Dr. Bowers said. “And some babies now will even use sign language to signal they are hungry and want milk so it’s really cool to see that they recognize you are milk.”