Breastfeeding Practices During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic Were Influenced by Women's Life Event.

Abstract

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, which affects the whole world, negatively affects breastfeeding mothers and newborns. This study aimed to evaluate the breastfeeding practices influenced by women's life events and the breastfeeding women compliance with the rules established against the risk of SARS-CoV-2. This prospective cross-sectional online survey design study was carried out on 339 breastfeeding mothers between April 21 and May 10, 2020, in Turkey. Data were collected by an information form and the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R); 39.2% of breastfeeding mothers were traumatically affected by events experienced as a result of the pandemic. Study results reveal that breastfeeding mothers concerned about the risk of SARS-COV-2 transmission to their infants through human milk or breastfeeding. Noncompliance with SARS-CoV-2 measures among breastfeeding women was high. Policymakers and healthcare providers should not ignore this situation. It may be beneficial to conduct consciousness-raising and awareness studies to increase the compliance ratios of breastfeeding women with the recommended measures to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission.