Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Breastfeeding Establishment in Preterm Infants: An Exploratory Study

Area of Science:

• Neonatal care
• Public health
• Lactation science

Background:

• The Covid-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems globally.
• Infants born prematurely (≤34 weeks' gestation) often require specialized feeding support.
• Breastfeeding provides significant benefits for both infant and maternal health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on breastfeeding outcomes in preterm infants.
• To compare breastfeeding rates and support needs in preterm infants born during versus before the pandemic.

Main Methods:

• An observational cohort study was conducted with 33 preterm infants (≤34 weeks' gestation).
• Infants were divided into two groups: born during the Covid-19 pandemic (Covid group, n=11) and prior to the pandemic (pre-Covid group, n=22).
• The primary outcome measured was breastfeeding status at hospital discharge.

Main Results:

• Infants in the Covid group showed significantly lower rates of receiving breastfeeds at full oral feed (p=.015) and at hospital discharge (p=.001).
• Fewer infants in the Covid group received non-nutritive sucking (p=.612).
• A higher proportion of infants in the Covid group required milk supplementation (p=.032).

Conclusions:

• The Covid-19 pandemic significantly impacted the establishment of breastfeeding at hospital discharge for preterm infants.
• There is an urgent need to improve parental access to lactation support within hospitals, especially in low-risk areas.
• Enhanced in-hospital lactation support is crucial to safeguard breastfeeding outcomes for vulnerable preterm infants.