Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, breastfeeding women have experienced restricted access to support, placing them at increased risk of mental health concerns and limited breastfeeding assistance. This study investigated the effect of the pandemic on feeding choices and maternal wellbeing amongst breastfeeding mothers living in Australian and New Zealand. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey that examined feeding methods, maternal mental wellbeing, worries, challenges, and positive experiences during the pandemic. Most women were exclusively breastfeeding (82%). Partial breastfeeding was associated with perceived low milk supply and longer pregnancy duration during the pandemic. Reduced mental health and wellbeing was associated with lower levels of family functioning, increased perceived stress, and perinatal anxiety. Longer pregnancy duration during the pandemic was associated with lower mental health wellbeing scores, while higher perceived stress scores were reported for regions with higher COVID-19 infection rates and women with perceived low milk supply. Women reported that the pandemic resulted in less pressure and more time for family bonding, while worries about the pandemic, family health, and parenting challenges were also cited. Mental health concerns of breastfeeding women appear to be exacerbated by COVID-19, highlighting a critical need for access to mental health and broader family support during the pandemic.
Highlights
Supporting women to continue breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic is a public health priority
This study aimed to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on breastfeeding and maternal wellbeing in Australia and New Zealand
Greater adverse effects were experienced by women that were pregnant for a longer duration during the pandemic, those living in regions with higher COVID infection rates, and mothers with perceived low milk supply
Summary
Supporting women to continue breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic is a public health priority. Despite the recommendation to continue breastfeeding, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental health and wellbeing of pregnant and breastfeeding women remain a concern [9,10,11]. Mothers have taken on an increasing proportion of caring responsibilities, including parenting and broader family support roles during the pandemic. Such factors have led to mothers being disproportionally affected by the pandemic and lockdowns [13]. There was an increase in odds of exclusive breastfeeding as the duration of infant daytime sleep increased, pregnant for a longer duration during the pandemic and if the mother reported sore nipples. There were increased odds of exclusive breastfeeding among women reporting a small problem with sleep and decreased odds of exclusive breastfeeding among women who were pregnant for a longer duration during the pandemic (Table 4).
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