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Roess AA, Robert RC, Kuehn D, Andrews CF, Vinjamuri S. The Impact of COVID-19 on Breastfeeding Initiation and Duration in a Low-Income Population, Washington, DC. Breastfeed Med 2024; 19:120-128. [PMID: 38386992 DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2023.0223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Objective: To assess the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on breastfeeding initiation (BFI) and duration among women enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for women, infants, and children (WIC) in Washington District of Columbia (DC). Materials and Methods: We used WIC program data from Washington DC to assess the pandemic's impact on BFI and duration among WIC recipients. t-Tests and unadjusted odds ratios compared breastfeeding outcomes before and during the pandemic. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models estimated the pandemic's impact on initiation and duration, respectively, while controlling for social determinants of health and other factors. Results: BFI was similar among women who gave birth before (61.4%) or during the pandemic (60.4%) (p = 0.359). However, the proportion of women who breastfed at 1 month decreased significantly from 56.1% (before pandemic) to 47.6% (during pandemic) (p < 0.0001). This pattern for duration continued at 3 and 6 months: 46.9% to 37.1% (p < 0.0001) at 3 months and 34.8% to 25.7% (p < 0.0001) at 6 months. On average, women who delivered during the pandemic breastfed 33.9 fewer days than those who delivered before (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: BFI among DC WIC recipients was similar for infants born before or during the pandemic, and determinants of initiation remained similar to previous reports (e.g., race/ethnicity, education). However, for women who initiated breastfeeding, average duration was significantly lower for infants born during the pandemic than before. Our findings suggest the importance of leveraging WIC and other breastfeeding supports to promote breastfeeding during pandemics and other emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira A Roess
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Health and Human Services, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
| | - Rebecca C Robert
- Conway School of Nursing, The Catholic University of America, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Doris Kuehn
- The District of Columbia (DC) Department of Health, DC Women Infant Child (WIC) State Agency, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Caroline F Andrews
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Health and Human Services, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
| | - Swathi Vinjamuri
- The District of Columbia (DC) Department of Health, DC Women Infant Child (WIC) State Agency, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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Penny F, Brownell EA, Judge M, Marshall-Crim M, Cartagena D, McGrath JM. Use of a Supplemental Feeding Tube Device and Breastfeeding at 4 Weeks. MCN Am J Matern Child Nurs 2023; 48:334-340. [PMID: 37840203 DOI: 10.1097/nmc.0000000000000962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mothers having difficulty breastfeeding their infants may use alternative supportive feeding methods. Although a supplemental feeding tube device is commonly used, efficacy for supporting sustained breastfeeding remains unknown. PURPOSE To describe supplemental feeding tube device use by breastfeeding mothers as an alternative feeding method through exploration of associations between supplemental feeding tube device use and continued breastfeeding at 4 weeks of infant's age. METHOD Forty mothers participated. They were interviewed during the birth hospitalization and at 4 weeks postpartum. Questions addressed use of supplemental feeding tube devices, breastfeeding issues, and continued breastfeeding relationships. We examined the relationship between LATCH scores at 2 to 3 days of life. RESULTS Breastfeeding mothers who chose to supplement with bottle-feeding instead of use of a supplemental feeding tube device were 30% less likely to continue breastfeeding at a medium/high/exclusive level. CONCLUSION Use of the supplemental feeding tube device may help avoid the potentially detrimental effect of bottle-feeding on continued breastfeeding.
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Zöllkau J, Heimann Y, Hagenbeck C, Pecks U, Abou-Dakn M, Schlösser R, Schohe A, Dressler-Steinbach I, Manz M, Banz-Jansen C, Reuschel E, Iannaccone A, Bohlmann MK, Kraft K, Fill Malfertheiner S, Wimberger P, Kolben T, Bartmann C, Longardt AC. Breastfeeding Behavior Within the Covid-19 Related Obstetric and Neonatal Outcome Study (CRONOS). J Hum Lact 2023; 39:625-635. [PMID: 37712573 DOI: 10.1177/08903344231190623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and its influence on peripartum processes worldwide led to issues in breastfeeding support. RESEARCH AIM The aim of this study was to describe breastfeeding behavior and peripartum in-hospital management during the pandemic in Germany and Austria. METHODS This study was a descriptive study using a combination of secondary longitudinal data and a cross-sectional online survey. Registry data from the prospective multicenter COVID-19 Related Obstetric and Neonatal Outcome Study (CRONOS) cohort study (longitudinal, medical records of 1,815 parent-neonate pairs with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy) and a cross-sectional online survey of CRONOS hospitals' physicians (N = 67) were used for a descriptive comparison of feeding outcomes and postpartum management. RESULTS In 93.7% (n = 1700) of the cases in which information on the neonate's diet was provided, feeding was with the mother's own milk. Among neonates not receiving their mother's own milk, 24.3% (n = 26) reported SARS-CoV-2 infection as the reason. Peripartum maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection, severe maternal COVID-19 including the need for intensive care unit (ICU) treatment or invasive ventilation, preterm birth, mandatory delivery due to COVID-19, and neonatal ICU admission were associated with lower rates of breastfeeding. Rooming-in positively influenced breastfeeding without affecting neonatal SARS-CoV-2 frequency (4.2% vs. 5.6%). CRONOS hospitals reported that feeding an infant their mother's own milk continued to be supported during the pandemic. In cases of severe COVID-19, four of five hospitals encouraged breastfeeding. CONCLUSION Maintaining rooming-in and breastfeeding support services in the CRONOS hospitals during the pandemic resulted in high breastfeeding rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Zöllkau
- Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Yvonne Heimann
- Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Carsten Hagenbeck
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ulrich Pecks
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Michael Abou-Dakn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Joseph-Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rolf Schlösser
- Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital of Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Anna Schohe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Joseph-Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Maike Manz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Darmstadt City Hospital, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Constanze Banz-Jansen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Protestant Hospital of Bethel Foundation, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Edith Reuschel
- University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Hospital St. Hedwig of The Order of St. John, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Michael K Bohlmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Elisabeth' Hospital, Loerrach, Germany
| | - Katrina Kraft
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Munich Municipal Hospital, Harlaching, Munich, Germany
| | - Sara Fill Malfertheiner
- University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Hospital St. Hedwig of The Order of St. John, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Pauline Wimberger
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Kolben
- Department for Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Catharina Bartmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ann - Carolin Longardt
- Clinic for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine I / Neonatology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
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Tomori C. Global lessons for strengthening breastfeeding as a key pillar of food security. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1256390. [PMID: 37674689 PMCID: PMC10477442 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1256390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Breastfeeding is identified as a central pillar of food security by the World Health Organization, however globally significant challenges remain in achieving breastfeeding targets for early initiation, exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, and continued breastfeeding for 2 years and beyond. Inadequate support in health systems, poor maternity protections and workplace policies, and insufficient regulation of commercial milk formulas, among other barriers, continue to undermine this key pillar across nations. This paper highlights the central importance of breastfeeding for food security across diverse global settings by examining three case studies: Honduras, Pakistan and the USA. The cases highlight the complex layering and intersections of key challenges that threaten breastfeeding in the era of pandemics, the climate crisis, conflict and global inequality. Lessons drawn from these case studies, combined with additional insights, reinforce the importance of multisectorial collaboration to scale up investment in creating equitable, enabling environments for breastfeeding. These structural and systems approaches can successfully strengthen the breastfeeding ecosystem to ensure greater first food system resilience in the face of global crises, which compound maternal and infant vulnerabilities. Additionally, the cases add urgency for greater attention to prioritizing breastfeeding and incorporating IYCF-E protocols into disaster preparedness and management into the policy agenda, as well as ensuring that first food security is considered in energy policy. An integrated approach to policy change is necessary to recognize and strengthen breastfeeding as a pivotal part of ensuring food security across the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecília Tomori
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
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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.
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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
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Palmquist AEL, Tomori C, Tumlinson K, Fox C, Chung S, Quinn EA. Pandemic policies and breastfeeding: A cross-sectional study during the onset of COVID-19 in the United States. FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY 2022; 7:958108. [PMID: 36405376 PMCID: PMC9669788 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2022.958108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The United States is one of the few countries, and the only high-income country, that does not federally mandate protection of postpartum employment through paid postpartum maternity and family leave policies. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S., stay-at-home orders were implemented nationally, creating a natural experiment in which to document the effects of de facto paid leave on infant feeding practices in the first postpartum year. The purpose of this cross-sectional, mixed-methods study was to describe infant and young child feeding intentions, practices, decision-making, and experiences during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected March 27-May 31, 2020 via online survey among a convenience sample of respondents, ages 18 years and older, who were currently feeding a child 2 years of age or younger, yielding 1,437 eligible responses. Nearly all (97%) respondents indicated an intention to feed their infant exclusively with human milk in the first 6 months. A majority of respondents who were breastfeeding (66%) reported no change in breastfeeding frequency after the implementation of COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. However, thirty-one percent indicated that they breastfed more frequently due to stay-at-home orders and delayed plans to wean their infant or young child. Key themes drawn from the qualitative data were: emerging knowledge and perceptions of the relationship between COVID-19 and breastfeeding, perceptions of immune factors in human milk, and the social construction of COVID-19 and infant and young child feeding perceptions and knowledge. There were immediate positive effects of stay-at-home policies on human milk feeding practices, even during a time of considerable uncertainty about the safety of breastfeeding and the transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 via human milk, constrained access to health care services and COVID-19 testing, and no effective COVID-19 vaccines. Federally mandated paid postpartum and family leave are essential to achieving more equitable lactation outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aunchalee E. L. Palmquist
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Cecília Tomori
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Katherine Tumlinson
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Carolyn Fox
- Department of Anthropology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Stephanie Chung
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - E. A. Quinn
- Department of Anthropology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
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