1
|
Dudeja N, Sharma D, Maria A, Pawar P, Mukherjee R, Nargotra S, Mohapatra A. Implementing recommended breastfeeding practices in healthcare facilities in India during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review of health system bottlenecks and potential solutions. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1142089. [PMID: 37583462 PMCID: PMC10423995 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1142089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Breastfeeding practices in institutional settings got disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic. We reviewed the challenges faced and the "work-around" solutions identified for implementing recommended breastfeeding practices in institutionalized mother-newborn dyads in resource constrained settings during the pandemic with the aim to identify learnings that could be potentially adapted to the Indian and relatable contexts, for building resilient health systems. Methods We conducted a scoping review of literature using the PRISMA ScR Extension guidelines. We searched the Medline via PubMed and Web of Science databases for literature published between 1st December 2019 and 15th April 2022. We included original research, reviews, and policy recommendations published in English language and on India while others were excluded. Further, we searched for relevant gray literature on Google (free word search), websites of government and major professional bodies in India. Three reviewers independently conducted screening and data extraction and the results were displayed in tabular form. Challenges and potential solutions for breastfeeding were identified and were categorized under one or more suitable headings based on the WHO building blocks for health systems. Results We extracted data from 28 papers that were deemed eligible. Challenges were identified across all the six building blocks. Lack of standard guidelines for crisis management, separation of the newborn from the mother immediately after birth, inadequate logistics and resources for infection prevention and control, limited health workforce, extensive use of formula and alternative foods, inconsistent quality of care and breastfeeding support, poor awareness among beneficiaries about breastfeeding practices (and especially, about its safety during the pandemic) were some of the challenges identified. The solutions primarily focused on the development of standard guidelines and operating procedures, restricted use of formula, use of telemedicine services for counseling and awareness and improving resource availability for risk mitigation through strategic mobilization. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has provided rich learning opportunities for health system strengthening in India. Countries must strengthen learning mechanisms to identify and adapt best practices from within their health systems and from other relatable settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nonita Dudeja
- Generating Research Insights for Development (GRID) Council, Executive Office, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Divita Sharma
- Generating Research Insights for Development (GRID) Council, Executive Office, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Arti Maria
- Department of Neonatology, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Priyanka Pawar
- Generating Research Insights for Development (GRID) Council, Executive Office, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ritika Mukherjee
- Generating Research Insights for Development (GRID) Council, Executive Office, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shikha Nargotra
- Generating Research Insights for Development (GRID) Council, Executive Office, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Archisman Mohapatra
- Generating Research Insights for Development (GRID) Council, Executive Office, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wesołowska A, Orczyk-Pawiłowicz M, Bzikowska-Jura A, Gawrońska M, Walczak B. Protecting Breastfeeding during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review of Perinatal Care Recommendations in the Context of Maternal and Child Well-Being. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:3347. [PMID: 35329035 PMCID: PMC8949921 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this scoping review is to determine to what extent the recommendations on perinatal care protect breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic. The review follows the PRISMA ScR Extension guidelines. The research was conducted in Scopus, Medline via Pubmed, and Web of Science databases from 1 March 2020 to 31 May 2021, using 392 combinations of keywords. We searched for reviews and original papers published in English providing recommendations on delivery mode, companion during labor, the possibility of skin-to-skin contact (SSC), breastfeeding, and visitors policy. After screening, 86 out of 8416 publications qualified for data extraction. The majority of them indicated that COVID-19 infection is not a sufficient reason for a cesarean section; however, on a national level, cesarean births in severely ill patients were overrepresented. A significant number of recommendations deprived mothers of the necessary support during their labor and stay in the maternity ward. A shared decision-making model was hardly visible. Only the earliest COVID-19 recommendations suspended direct breastfeeding; in later publications, decisions were related to the mother's health, but other options of natural feeding were rarely discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Wesołowska
- Laboratory of Human Milk and Lactation Research at Regional Human Milk Bank in Holy Family Hospital, Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, Litewska 14/16, 00-575 Warsaw, Poland; (A.W.); (A.B.-J.)
- Human Milk Bank Foundation, Podkowy Str. 128 J, 04-937 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Magdalena Orczyk-Pawiłowicz
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunochemistry, Division of Chemistry and Immunochemistry, Wroclaw Medical University, M. Skłodowskiej-Curie 48/50, 50-369 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka Bzikowska-Jura
- Laboratory of Human Milk and Lactation Research at Regional Human Milk Bank in Holy Family Hospital, Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, Litewska 14/16, 00-575 Warsaw, Poland; (A.W.); (A.B.-J.)
| | - Małgorzata Gawrońska
- Human Milk Bank Foundation, Podkowy Str. 128 J, 04-937 Warsaw, Poland;
- Faculty of Sociology, University of Warsaw, Karowa 18, 00-927 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bartłomiej Walczak
- Institute of Applied Social Sciences, University of Warsaw, Nowy Świat 69, 00-927 Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Impact of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic on Neonatal Nutrition: Focus on Low- and Middle-Income Countries. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2022; 9:218-224. [PMID: 36415223 PMCID: PMC9672601 DOI: 10.1007/s40475-022-00272-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review 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. Recent Findings 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. Summary 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.
Collapse
|
4
|
[Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on a human milk bank]. NUTR HOSP 2021; 38:710-714. [PMID: 34024114 DOI: 10.20960/nh.03535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Introduction: the pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 led to the declaration of the state of sanitary alarm between March and June 2020 in Spain. The activity of human milk banks was affected during that period, making it necessary to implement new measures in order to promote milk donation and diminish said impact. Method and objective: the aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of the state of alarm decreed from March 14 to June 22, 2020 on the breastmilk bank at Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain, in comparison with the same period during the previous year. To that end, a retrospective descriptive study was undertaken in which the activity indicators of the breastmilk bank were collected and compared to data from the milk bank at Hospital Virgen de las Nieves and peripheral collaborating centers. Results: during the first state of alarm in 2020 a global reduction was seen in new donor registrations, number of donors who donated milk, donated mean volume per mother, and total volume of received and pasteurized milk. However, new registrations and number of donors who donated milk during this period increased in Granada's breastmilk bank. Discussion: the new measures adopted in the breastmilk bank in Granada, such as encouraging milk donation in mothers with admitted newborns in the Neonatal Unit, increasing information given to mothers, and home collection of donated milk, allowed to attenuate the impact of the pandemic while guaranteeing safety.
Collapse
|
5
|
Latorre G, Martinelli D, Guida P, Masi E, De Benedictis R, Maggio L. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on exclusive breastfeeding in non-infected mothers. Int Breastfeed J 2021; 16:36. [PMID: 33865408 PMCID: PMC8052849 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-021-00382-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has posed several challenges to the provision of newborn nutrition and care interventions including maternal support, breastfeeding and family participatory care. Italy was the first country to be exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in Europe. One of the measures adopted by the Italian government during COVID-19 pandemic was the total lockdown of the cities with complete confinement at home. We aimed to examine the impact of the lockdown caused by COVID-19 pandemic on exclusive breastfeeding in non-infected mothers. METHODS We prospectively enrolled 204 mother-baby dyads during lockdown (9 March to 8 May 2020) that we compared to previously studied 306 mother-baby dyads admitted during the year 2018. To reduce the possible effect of confounding factors on exclusive breastfeeding, a 1:1 matching was performed by using an automatized procedure of stratification that paired 173 mother-baby dyads. Feeding modality was collected at discharge, 30 and 90 days of newborn's life. Exclusive breastfeeding was considered when the infant received only breast milk and no other liquids or solids were given with the exception of vitamins, minerals or medicines. RESULTS At discharge 69.4% of infants were exclusively breastfed during lockdown versus 97.7% of control group, 54.3% at 30 days vs 76.3 and 31.8% vs 70.5% at 90 days (p < 0.001). The proportion of breastfeeding remaining exclusive from discharge to 30-day was similar between groups (about 80%), but it was lower in lockdown group than in control cohort (58.5% vs 92.4%, p < 0.001) from 30- to 90-days. CONCLUSIONS Lockdown and home confinement led to a decrease of exclusively breastfeeding in the studied population. Considering the timing to shift from exclusive to non-exclusive breastfeeding, differences between study groups were concentrated during hospital stay and from 30- to 90 days of a newborn's life, confirming that the hospital stay period is crucial in continuing exclusive breastfeeding at least for the first 30 days, but no longer relevant at 90 days of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Latorre
- Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Ecclesiastical General Hospital F. Miulli, Acquaviva delle Fonti, Italy.
| | - Domenico Martinelli
- Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Ecclesiastical General Hospital F. Miulli, Acquaviva delle Fonti, Italy
| | - Pietro Guida
- Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Ecclesiastical General Hospital F. Miulli, Acquaviva delle Fonti, Italy
| | - Ester Masi
- Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Ecclesiastical General Hospital F. Miulli, Acquaviva delle Fonti, Italy
| | - Roberta De Benedictis
- Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Ecclesiastical General Hospital F. Miulli, Acquaviva delle Fonti, Italy
| | - Luca Maggio
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Child Health Area, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Montagnoli C, Zanconato G, Ruggeri S, Cinelli G, Tozzi AE. Restructuring maternal services during the covid-19 pandemic: Early results of a scoping review for non-infected women. Midwifery 2021; 94:102916. [PMID: 33412360 PMCID: PMC7832106 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2020.102916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE The novel coronavirus outbreak has caused substantial changes in societal norms as well as adjustments in health systems worldwide. To date the impact of these pandemic-related variations has yet to be fully understood also in the field of maternal health for which continuity of care is a proven life-saving preventive measure. DESIGN Following the PRISMA guidelines for reviews, a literature search was carried out to assess different approaches that combine quality of maternal care with the imposed social-distancing rules. Nine studies were included in the scoping review. FINDINGS Reduction of in-person visits is the preferred overall solution. Yet, fewer consultations can still guarantee essential services and appropriate care through integration with telemedicine. Referral to epidemic-free community centres is an alternative option and new paths need to include the interdisciplinary contribution of medical consultants and IT experts, among others. In this context, delaying access for symptomatic expectant mothers is still debated since it carries the potential risk of untimely detection of pregnancy complications. KEY CONCLUSIONS Preliminary experiences provide an overview of the different attempts put in place to reshape health services to contain the pandemic hazards. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE These early prototypes may inspire future innovative health solutions compatible with local resources and specific population preferences and needs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Montagnoli
- Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy; Department of Midwifery, Geneva School of Health Sciences, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland, Geneva, 47, av. de Champel, Switzerland.
| | - Giovanni Zanconato
- Department of Surgery, Odontostomatology and Maternal and Child Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
| | | | - Giulia Cinelli
- Predictive and Preventive Medicine Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; School of Specialization in Food Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome Italy.
| | - Alberto Eugenio Tozzi
- Predictive and Preventive Medicine Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mathew B, Elizabeth KE. Rooming in, KMC and Exclusive Breastfeeding in COVID Era-A Pediatrician’s Dilemma. Indian Pediatr 2021. [PMID: 33632965 PMCID: PMC7926058 DOI: 10.1007/s13312-021-2148-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
8
|
Al-Kuraishy HM, Al-Gareeb AI, Atanu FO, El-Zamkan MA, Diab HM, Ahmed AS, Al-Maiahy TJ, Obaidullah AJ, Alshehri S, Ghoniem MM, Batiha GE. Maternal Transmission of SARS-CoV-2: Safety of Breastfeeding in Infants Born to Infected Mothers. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:738263. [PMID: 34956971 PMCID: PMC8696119 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.738263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a recent epidemic disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome virus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In pregnancy, SARS-Cov-2 infection creates additional alarm due to concerns regarding the potential for transmission from the mother to the baby during both the antenatal and postpartum times. In general, breastfeeding is seldom disallowed because of infection of the mother. However, there are few exceptions with regards to certain infectious organisms with established transmission evidence from mother to infant and the link of infection of a newborn with significant morbidity and mortality. It is confirmed that pregnant women can become infected with SARS-CoV-2, although the debate on the possible vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy is still open. In this regard, the literature is still poor. On the contrary, the information on the safety of breastfeeding even during infections seems reassuring when the mother takes the necessary precautions. However, there are still answered questions regarding the precautions to be taken during breastfeeding by COVID-19 patients. This paper reviews the existing answers to these and many other questions. This review therefore presents a summary of the present-day understanding of infection with SARS-CoV-2 and discusses the answers around the maternal transmission of COVID-19 and the potential threat of breastfeeding to babies born to infected pregnant mothers. In conclusion, intrauterine transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection is less likely to occur during pregnancy. Most studies suggest that COVID-19 is not transmitted through breast milk. Correspondingly, COVID-19-infected neonates might acquire the infection via the respiratory route because of the postnatal contact with the mother rather than during the prenatal period. International organizations encourage breastfeeding regardless of the COVID-19 status of the mother or child as long as proper hygienic and safety measures are adhered to so as to minimize the chance of infant infection by droplets and direct contact with the infected mother. Pasteurized donor human milk or infant formula as supplemental feeding can be quite beneficial in the case of mother-infant separation till breastfeeding is safe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hayder M Al-Kuraishy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of Medicine, AL-Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ali I Al-Gareeb
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of Medicine, AL-Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Francis O Atanu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria
| | - Mona A El-Zamkan
- Department of Food Hygiene and Control (Milk Hygiene), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Hassan M Diab
- Department of Animal and Poultry Health and Environment, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Ahmed S Ahmed
- Department of Food Hygiene and Control (Milk Hygiene), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Thabat J Al-Maiahy
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, College of Medicine, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ahmad J Obaidullah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sultan Alshehri
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed M Ghoniem
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Ad Diriyah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gaber E Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|