Ms. U. Urmila is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing at Sri Ramachandra Faculty of Nursing, SRIHER (DU). She holds a Master’s degree in Nursing (OBG specialty) and an MBA in Health Service Management. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. as a Founder-Chancellor Shri N.P.V. Ramasamy Udayar Research Fellow. With over a decade of experience spanning clinical service, teaching, and research, her work focuses on maternal and newborn health, particularly lactation management for preterm infants.
Her doctoral research evaluates the impact of Family Integrated Lactation Management (FILM) on breastfeeding outcomes in NICU settings. She is a co-investigator in a Department of Health Research-funded project and a recipient of the DST-NIDHI PRAYAS grant for developing “DigiLact,” a real-time breastfeeding skill trainer. Her research contributions include publications in Scopus-indexed journals and international presentations, with interests extending to breastfeeding technology, infant nutrition, and family-centered neonatal care.
She is also a certified IYCF counselor, childbirth educator, and has additional training in research tools and statistical software. She is committed to bridging clinical practice and academic research to improve maternal-infant health outcomes.
Funding Agency: DST-NIDHI PRAYAS, Government of India, through IIT-Madras
Role: Principal Investigator
Grant Amount: ₹6,00,000
Duration: NOV 2023 – Dec 2024
Description:
DigiLact is an innovative simulation-based breastfeeding training device designed to aid skill development among healthcare providers and mothers. The device integrates real-time feedback mechanisms that simulate latch quality, breast hold and positioning. This project aims to bridge gaps in practical breastfeeding education by providing a hands-on learning tool that enhances both teaching and learning experiences. The prototype has been successfully developed and is ready for pilot implementation in clinical and academic settings. This project addresses the gap in practical lactation training tools and aims to improve breastfeeding techniques and confidence through technology-driven learning.
Funding Agency: Department of Health Research, Government of India
Role: Co – Principal Investigator
Grant Amount: ₹45,41,628
Duration: April 2024 – March 2027
This project aims to evaluate the impact of a structured Family Integrated Lactation Management (FILM) program on breastfeeding outcomes among preterm infants admitted to the NICU. The intervention consists of six structured sessions delivered to parents to enhance their knowledge, confidence, and involvement in the lactation process. The study assesses breastfeeding self-efficacy, exclusive mother’s own milk feeding rates at discharge, and overall infant feeding outcomes. The project is designed to strengthen family participation in neonatal care and promote long-term breastfeeding success in vulnerable preterm populations.
Event: 4th Arab Nurses and Midwives Conference, Qatar
Date: November 2024
Title of Work: “Determinants of Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy among Fathers of Preterm Babies”
Description:
Received the Best Poster Award for presenting original research on paternal involvement in breastfeeding, highlighting psychosocial determinants that influence breastfeeding success in families with preterm infants. The study emphasized the role of fathers in NICU-based lactation support and family-centered neonatal care.
Event: 6th National Nurses Conference, Sri Ramachandra Faculty of Nursing (SRIHER)
Date: January 2024
Title of Work: “Coming to Volume as a Predictor for Exclusive Mother’s Own Milk Feeding at NICU Discharge in Preterm Infants: A Cross-Sectional Study”
Description:
Honored with Best Oral Presentation for research that explored the predictive value of early lactation milestones in determining exclusive human milk feeding at NICU discharge among preterm infants. The presentation was recognized for its clinical relevance and application to NICU lactation support practices.
Membership No.: 180695/LMT