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What Are the Implications of COVID-19 on Breastfeeding? A Synthesis of Qualitative Evidence Studies
Evangelia Antoniou1, Maria Tzitiridou-Chatzopoulou2, Chrysa Voyatzaki3
1Department of Midwifery, Egaleo Park Campus, University of West Attica, Ag. Spyridonos Str., 12243 Egaleo, Greece.
Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the crucial role of a supportive environment, particularly partners, in successful breastfeeding. This underscores the need for family-centered strategies and professional support for new mothers.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Maternal and Child Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Exclusive breastfeeding until six months is ideal for infant nutrition.
- The coronavirus outbreak significantly impacted maternal and infant health, including breastfeeding practices.
- Despite known benefits, many infants are not exclusively breastfed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on breastfeeding.
- To analyze qualitative data from scientific databases regarding breastfeeding during the pandemic.
Main Methods:
- A systematic search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and PsycINFO databases was conducted.
- Studies published between 2019 and 2023 were reviewed.
- Rigorous exclusion criteria were applied, resulting in the inclusion of 12 qualitative studies from an initial 2598 papers.
Main Results:
- The pandemic's effects on breastfeeding were varied, with some finding benefits.
- Key themes included breastfeeding support during the pandemic and the impact of social containment measures.
- Reduced professional support was noted, contrasted by increased environmental and partner support.
Conclusions:
- The pandemic emphasized the significant impact of a supportive environment, especially partners, on breastfeeding.
- Policy makers and health professionals should promote family-centered breastfeeding strategies.
- Enhanced partner involvement and accessible counseling are vital for successful breastfeeding initiation and maintenance.
Introduction:
Exclusive breastfeeding until six months of life is the ideal way to feed infants. However, there is a significant number of infants who have never breastfed, despite the beneficial properties of breastfeeding. On the other hand, the coronavirus outbreak had significant effects on people's health, both mentally and physically, and has also impacted the breastfeeding process.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to investigate the implication of COVID-19 on breastfeeding through qualitative data from databases.
Methods:
We searched online databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, PsycINFO) for studies published from 2019 to 2023. 'Out of the 2598 papers we found, only 12 were included in the review'. More specifically, from the 1558 papers remaining from the title and abstract evaluation as well as duplicates, a further 1546 papers belonging to our exclusion criteria were removed (all types of reviews, letters to editors, and quantitative articles).
Results:
Our results covered three subjects: breastfeeding support during the pandemic, effects of social containment measures on breastfeeding, and additional outcomes regarding breastfeeding. Most voices found the effects of the pandemic on breastfeeding beneficial, with reduced professional support and a high degree of support from the environment. Additional negative factors were observed, as well as consequences of the pandemic in women's lives.
Conclusions:
COVID-19 was the occasion to understand the power of the supportive environment of the woman, especially the partner, in establishing and maintaining breastfeeding. Therefore, policy makers and health professionals, especially midwives, should implement family-centered breastfeeding strategies that are more supportive of the partner role, providing problem counseling when and where deemed necessary.
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