Impact of COVID-19 on breastfeeding intention and behaviour among postpartum women in five countries.
Li-Yin Chien, Eun Young Lee, Kelly Pereira Coca and 3 others
PMID 35778334WHAT IT FOUND
In 3253 postpartum women, 90% intended to breastfeed and 85.7% breastfed in the last 24 hours.
Among those feeding directly, 66.4% fed as planned or longer. Support from family, online groups, or health professionals was linked to meeting duration goals.
Key findings
01Among 3253 postpartum women, 90.1% intended to breastfeed during pregnancy and 85.7% breastfed in the last 24 hours.
02Ever testing positive for COVID-19 was associated with higher odds of intending to breastfeed during pregnancy but lower odds of direct breastfeeding lasting as planned or longer.
03Support from a spouse, partner, friend, or relative, online support groups, and in-person or telephone contact with healthcare professionals were associated with breastfeeding duration being as planned or longer.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The study was cross-sectional, so it cannot show that any factor caused breastfeeding intention or duration. There was no comparison group of women not exposed to the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were recruited through an online convenience sample, so they may not represent all postpartum women in the five countries. The sample had a high educational level, with 75.8% reporting college/university or postgraduate education. Breastfeeding status and support were self-reported, so social desirability bias is possible. The study did not know whether a positive COVID-19 test happened before pregnancy, during pregnancy, or after birth. Infant age within the six-month postpartum window was not included, although younger infants may be more likely to be exclusively breastfed.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read the lower odds among women who tested positive for COVID-19 as proof that infection shortened breastfeeding. The study was cross-sectional, self-reported, and did not know when positive testing occurred relative to pregnancy or feeding.