Impact of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic on Neonatal Nutrition: Focus on Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Abstract

This review serves to account for the published literature regarding the changing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with a focus on neonatal nutrition in low- and middle-income countries. Initial national and international guidelines regarding breastfeeding were often contradictory. Lack of clear guidelines resulted in separation of mother-neonate dyads and the reliance on non-human sources of milk at institutional levels. Mothers and families were less likely to initiate and/or continue breastfeed during the pandemic due to confusion regarding guidelines, lack of support for lactation, and concern for infection transmission to their neonates. Continued research in neonatal nutrition, however, continues to support the use of breastmilk as the optimal nutritional source for neonates. Despite concerns for increased risk of COVID-19 transmission with breastfeeding, the use of breastmilk with preserved and combined mother-baby care is associated with improved neonatal nutrition.