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Mukuria‐Ashe A, Nyambo K, Uyehara M, Guta J, Mtengowadula G, Nyirongo G, Alvey J. Health professional competency building for the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative in Malawi. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2024; 20:e13591. [PMID: 38444304 PMCID: PMC11168349 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Health professional competency building is one of nine national responsibilities (to achieve universal coverage and sustainability) described in the 2018 World Health Organization (WHO)/United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) implementation guidance for the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI). With stagnating rates of exclusive breastfeeding worldwide, skilled breastfeeding support as a standard of newborn care is critical to the establishment of lactation and exclusive breastfeeding. Few studies exist on how low-income countries are integrating BFHI into their standards of care. This qualitative case study describes Malawi's experience. We interviewed 48 key informants and conducted a desk review of the literature on BFHI programming, national plans, policies and other related documents. We explored the findings using the seven key domains and 16 competencies to implement the Ten Steps to successful breastfeeding from the WHO and UNICEF Competency Verification Toolkit. The study found that although the focus of the guidance is on preservice training, continuing education and in-service training remain important. To achieve universal coverage for health professional competency, Malawi uses preservice, in-service and refresher training. However, their main limitations to aligning with the new guidance are a lack of preservice BFHI- and breastfeeding-specific curricula, experienced lecturers and sufficient time to dedicate to practical skill development. Conducted during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, this study confirmed disruptions to BFHI training and service delivery, while also documenting Malawi's resilient attempts to mitigate impacts on breastfeeding support through mentoring and coaching. Opportunities exist for strengthening and scaling up, including engaging preservice training institutions and standardizing mentoring, coaching and competency verification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Altrena Mukuria‐Ashe
- USAID Advancing NutritionArlingtonVirginiaUSA
- Save the Children USAWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
| | | | - Malia Uyehara
- USAID Advancing NutritionArlingtonVirginiaUSA
- John Snow, Inc. (JSI) Research & Training Institute, Inc.ArlingtonVirginiaUSA
| | | | | | | | - Jeniece Alvey
- United States Agency for International Development (USAID)Washington, District of ColumbiaUnited States
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Hutchins-Wiese HL, Powell S, Ford O, Spitzer T. Lactation Initiation During COVID-19 at a Single Military Hospital. Mil Med 2024:usae321. [PMID: 38916937 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usae321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Human milk is associated with positive short- and long-term health outcomes. Women's choice to breastfeed is influenced by personal, social, health, and economic factors. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted health care delivery, non-emergent health care services, and family lifestyles, primarily in the early months of 2020. The aim of this study was to determine if breastfeeding initiation rates differed during a global pandemic among women in the military health care system. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a cross-sectional chart review study. We compiled all birthing event health records from March to August in 2019 and 2020 from a single military medical center. Of the 2,737 maternal-infant dyads available, 1,463 met complete inclusion criteria and were analyzed to determine associations between delivery year, maternal and infant characteristics, and initial feeding methods. Institutional research approvals were obtained from the university and medical center institutional review boards. RESULTS There was no significant association between breastfeeding initiation rates and delivery year (X2(1) = 2.898, P = .089). Some maternal and infant characteristics significantly associated with the feeding method in the logistic regression model and differed by delivery year. Black women were 1.9 times less likely to initiate breastfeeding compared to White women; this disparity became more pronounced in 2020. Multiparous mothers, those who gave birth via cesarean section, and those at earlier gestational ages (32-37 weeks) were less likely to initiate breastfeeding. Models differed by delivery year, with only Black race and cesarean birth significantly impacting the overall model in 2020. Maternal age, military status, military rank, marital status, birth complications, and infant gender were not associated with the feeding method. CONCLUSIONS Overall breastfeeding initiation rates did not differ during the COVID-19 pandemic when rates in 2020 were compared to those in the year prior. Race, birth method, parity, and gestational age were associated with breastfeeding initiation rates in women cared for at military centers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shawndra Powell
- School of Health Sciences, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI 48130, USA
| | - Olivia Ford
- School of Health Sciences, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI 48130, USA
| | - Trimble Spitzer
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA 23708, USA
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Lok KYW, Fan HSL, Ip HL, Leung ETY, Lau KW, Wong JYH, Choi E, Lam CCO, Tarrant M, Ngan HYS, Ip P, Lin CC. Building a baby-friendly community: Development, strategy, implementation and evaluation of a BFCI program. J Adv Nurs 2024. [PMID: 38877670 DOI: 10.1111/jan.16267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
AIM The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of the use of baby-friendly community initiative (BFCI) model on various stakeholders in the community. DESIGN Quasi-experimental research design. METHOD The study was conducted in public premises and online workshops from April 2019 to September 2022. Participants were followed up for a period of 1 month, except for those employed at public premises. The program involved training based on an accredited BFCI framework to cultivate a breastfeeding-friendly attitude and knowledge. A paired sample t-test was used to examine breastfeeding attitude and knowledge scores before and after BFCI training among staff employed from public premises. An analysis of variance was conducted to examine the breastfeeding self-efficacy and attitude scores, measured repeatedly at different timepoints over 1-month timepoint (T0, T1 and T2) among pregnant and postpartum women. RESULTS A total of 2340 perinatal women and 1339 staff from public premises were recruited. For staff, there was an increase in the mean score of breastfeeding knowledge and attitude by 5.8 and 6.1, respectively, at T1. Similarly, for perinatal women, there was an increase in the mean score of breastfeeding self-efficacy and attitude by 6.6 and 3.3, respectively, at T1. CONCLUSION In summary, a BFCI model, with active community participation, accreditation and an award system, has been effective in promoting breastfeeding. Adapting the baby-friendly hospital initiative to local contexts and employing a social theory model can enhance breastfeeding promotion and improve infant health outcomes. Prioritizing culturally sensitive breastfeeding education is crucial for successful BFCI implementation. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE Healthcare professionals should consider clients' culture and socio-economic backgrounds when providing breastfeeding education to maximize effectiveness. The target audience for breastfeeding education should be expanded to include various community stakeholders beyond families. IMPACT What problem did the study address? This study addressed the problem of knowledge gaps among stakeholders in building a breastfeeding-friendly community, particularly in implementing a baby-friendly community initiative (BFCI) as part of a baby-friendly hospital initiative (BFHI). The research filled a service gap by providing effective interventions targeting community stakeholders and assessing the impact of a BFCI program on their knowledge and attitudes towards breastfeeding. What were the main findings? The findings highlighted the effectiveness of a BFCI program in enhancing breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes among frontline staff and increasing breastfeeding confidence among mothers. These findings contribute to the understanding of the program's impact on different stakeholders in the community. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? It impacts on global policymakers by providing insights for developing comprehensive guidelines for future BFCI implementations. It also contributes to the creation of a more baby-friendly community, benefiting breastfeeding families and their infants by promoting and supporting breastfeeding families. REPORTING METHOD This study has adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines using the TREND reporting guideline. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION No patient or public contribution. WHAT DOES THIS PAPER CONTRIBUTE TO THE WIDER GLOBAL CLINICAL COMMUNITY?: This study provides an overview of the establishment of a localized BFCI program. It also opens up a new direction for the community to investigate BFCI strategies for community stakeholders. It also provides evidence to support other countries in following a similar process, as each country approaches becoming breastfeeding-friendly in its own unique way. TRIAL AND PROTOCOL REGISTRATION No protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kris Yuet Wan Lok
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Heidi Sze Lok Fan
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Social Development, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hoi Lam Ip
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Emily T Y Leung
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Ka Wing Lau
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Janet Yuen Ha Wong
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Edmond Choi
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Christine Chi Oi Lam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Marie Tarrant
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Social Development, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hextan Yuen Sheung Ngan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Patrick Ip
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Chia Chin Lin
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
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Karimi M, Maleki A, Rastegari L. The impact of continuous and intermittent supportive counseling on self-efficacy and continuation of breastfeeding in lactating women affected by COVID-19: a quasi-experimental trial. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:376. [PMID: 38760730 PMCID: PMC11100109 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06572-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Promoting exclusive breastfeeding can have a great effect in reducing the complications and mortality rate of mother and child. OBJECTIVE The study aimed to compare the effects of continuous and intermittent supportive counselling on the self-efficacy and continuity of breastfeeding among Lactating mothers with COVID-19. METHODS The study was a semi-experimental research method and was conducted on 73 mothers with COVID-19 who were hospitalized in Ayatollah Mousavi Hospital in Zanjan, Iran from May 2021 to April 2022. In the continuous counselling group, counselling was provided daily for 14 days, while in the intermittent counselling group, counselling was provided once a week for four weeks. Breastfeeding continuity was assessed based on the World Health Organization's classification, and breastfeeding self-efficacy was measured using Dennis' standard breastfeeding self-efficacy questionnaire (BSE) up to four months after delivery. The data were analyzed using chi-square tests, independent t-tests, paired t-tests, analysis of variance with repeated measures, and survival analysis (Kaplan-Meier) with a 95% confidence level. RESULTS The survival analysis revealed that the cessation of exclusive breastfeeding occurred in 17 cases within the continuous counselling group and in 22 cases within the intermittent counselling group. The rates of continuation for exclusive breastfeeding were 52.8% and 40.5% in the continuous and intermittent counselling group respectively. However, no statistically significant differences were observed in the continuation of breastfeeding and the trend of changes in the mean scores of breastfeeding self-efficacies between the continuous and intermittent counselling groups. Furthermore, comparing the change in breastfeeding self-efficacy scores between the one-month and four-month follow-ups within the continuous counselling group, a statistically significant increase was observed. CONCLUSION The results indicated no difference in the effectiveness of continuous and intermittent counseling methods in improving breastfeeding continuity in women with COVID-19. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of different counseling approaches on breastfeeding outcomes during crises. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was registered on the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials website on 29/06/2021 with the registration code IRCT20150731023423N19. It can be accessed via this link: https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/user/trial/55391/view .
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Karimi
- Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Azam Maleki
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Health and Metabolic Diseases Research Institute, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Health and Metabolic Diseases Research Institute, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Azadi Square, Jomhori Eslami St, Zanjan, 4515613191, Iran.
| | - Leila Rastegari
- Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
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Ashrafinia F, Chen H, Heydari O, Mirzaei M, Abdi F. The Importance of Personal and Familial Factors on Breastfeeding Intention and Practices, and Postpartum Distress during the Pandemic: A Longitudinal Observational Study. Matern Child Health J 2024; 28:513-523. [PMID: 37924418 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-023-03813-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted pregnant and breastfeeding women. Both low- and high-risk groups adopted preventive approaches such as mask-wearing and handwashing to slow down and prevent viral transmission during critical periods that may affect mother-child interactions. METHODS A longitudinal observational study was conducted with primiparous women recruited using convenience sampling from the postpartum care ward of Afzalipour Teaching Hospital in Kerman from August 1, 2020 to March 30, 2021. The research questionnaires included demographic information, preventive behaviors, breastfeeding intention and practices, postpartum distress, and Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale. All the questionnaires were self-reported online in three stages: before discharge from the postpartum ward, the first month after delivery, and the third month after delivery. RESULTS A Total of 160 primiparous women were included. The results showed significant changes in preventive behaviors and postpartum distress levels during the study. Breastfeeding intention and practices were negatively affected by postpartum distress (P = 0.034), unwanted pregnancies (P = 0.009), and cesarean delivery (P < 0.001). Postpartum distress was directly affected by the presence of depression (P < 0.001). Preventive behaviors at discharge were significantly associated with postpartum distress three months after delivery (P = 0.013). The study also found an association between women's and partner's education, unwanted pregnancy, and cesarean delivery that determined postpartum distress. CONCLUSIONS Pandemic restrictions did not affect breastfeeding intentions or practices, possibly due to sufficient social and family support during the pandemic. However, robust guidelines are required to increase enable women's access to specializede care to cope with future pandemics, particularly during the first few weeks after childbirth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Ashrafinia
- Department of Reproductive Health and Midwifery, Student Research Committee, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Hui Chen
- Foetal Programming, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Omolbanin Heydari
- Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Maryam Mirzaei
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Infertility, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Abdi
- Non-communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
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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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Cupit C, Paton A, Boyle E, Pillay T, Anderson J, Armstrong N. Parenting through place-of-care disruptions: A qualitative study of parents' experiences of neonatal care. Health Expect 2024; 27:e13933. [PMID: 39102689 PMCID: PMC10726285 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neonatal care is complex, involving multiple people and technologies within a community of care. When preterm babies are cared for far from home and/or transferred between units, the whole community of care (and particularly parent participation) is disrupted. Although previous studies have captured subjective experiences of parents, there has been little research exploring the material practices undertaken by parents as a consequence of place-of-care decisions, or the social organisation of those practices. METHODS As part of a wider study exploring optimal place-of-care, semistructured interviews were conducted between July 2018 and October 2019 with 48 parents (36 families) with one or more preterm babies (born at 27-31 weeks gestation) cared for in a neonatal unit in the last 12 months. FINDINGS We highlight parents' labour-intensive and stressful work to: (1) parent in the neonatal care community (an oversight role that goes beyond contemporary notions of 'involvement'); (2) create continuity amid place-of-care disruptions; and (3) adapt to the managerial logics of neonatal care settings. Our analysis focuses on the work generated by managerial systems that organise place-of-care decision-making and other efficiency-focused practices. Parents are absorbed into negotiating institutional systems and diverted from routine parenting activities. CONCLUSION Those involved in the organisation and management of neonatal care should take account of how managerial systems impact parents' workload, ability to participate in their baby's community of care and, ultimately, on the wellbeing and development of babies and their families. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION The OPTI-PREM study embedded parents' experiences of neonatal care into the research, through a discrete workstream that employed qualitative methodology to capture parents' experiences-as reported in this paper. The OPTI-PREM project was also supported by a Bliss volunteer parent panel, which was involved in designing and overseeing the research. Bliss 'champion[s] the right for every baby born premature or sick to receive the best care by supporting families, campaigning for change and supporting professionals and enabling life-changing research' (https://www.bliss.org.uk/about-us/about-bliss). A representative of Bliss is a co-author of this manuscript, and a parent representative (named in the Acknowledgements) provided feedback during its preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Cupit
- Department of Population Health SciencesUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUK
| | - Alexis Paton
- Centre for Health and SocietyAston UniversityBirminghamUK
| | - Elaine Boyle
- Department of Population Health SciencesUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUK
| | - Thillagavathie Pillay
- Research Institute for Health Related SciencesUniversity of WolverhamptonWolverhamptonUK
| | | | - Natalie Armstrong
- Department of Population Health SciencesUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUK
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Simeone RM, Meghani M, Meeker JR, Zapata LB, Galang RR, Salvesen Von Essen B, Dieke A, Ellington SR. Differences in delivery hospitalization experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic by maternal race and ethnicity, Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, 2020. J Perinatol 2024; 44:20-27. [PMID: 37660214 PMCID: PMC11197487 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-023-01763-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We investigated maternal COVID-19 related experiences during delivery hospitalizations, and whether experiences differed by maternal race and ethnicity. STUDY DESIGN Data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System among women with live births between April-December 2020 were used. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) estimated associations between maternal race and ethnicity and COVID-19 related delivery experiences. RESULTS Among 12,879 women, 3.6% reported infant separation and 1.8% reported not being allowed support persons. Compared with non-Hispanic White women, American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) (aPR = 2.7; CI: 1.2-6.2), Hispanic (aPR = 2.2; CI: 1.5-3.1), non-Hispanic Black (aPR = 2.4; CI: 1.7-3.6), and non-Hispanic Asian (aPR = 2.8; CI: 1.6-4.9) women reported more infant separation due to COVID-19. Not being allowed support persons was more common among AI/AN (aPR = 5.2; CI: 1.8-14.8) and non-Hispanic Black (aPR = 2.3; CI: 1.3-4.1) women. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 related delivery hospitalization experiences were unequally distributed among racial and ethnic minorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina M Simeone
- Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Mehreen Meghani
- Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- CDC Foundation, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jessica R Meeker
- Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- U.S. Public Health Service, Rockville, MD, USA
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lauren B Zapata
- Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- U.S. Public Health Service, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Romeo R Galang
- Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Beatriz Salvesen Von Essen
- Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- CDC Foundation, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ada Dieke
- Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sascha R Ellington
- Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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White BK, Burns SK, Carson J, Scott JA. Mapping breastfeeding and COVID-19 related content and engagement on Facebook: Results from an online social listening study. Health Promot J Austr 2024; 35:242-250. [PMID: 37076784 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED The COVID-19 pandemic has seen evidence and advice evolve quickly. Since the start of the pandemic there has been confusion and concern about breastfeeding and COVID-19, and advice for this group has at times been contradictory. The volume of information on social media has exacerbated this. This study aimed to understand breastfeeding-related COVID-19 information sharing on social media during the global and Australian vaccine roll-out. METHODS The CrowdTangle platform was used to source data from December 2020 to December 2021. Posts were categorised to intent and source and mapped to a timeline of pandemic-related events and announcements. Descriptive analysis was used to understand data distribution patterns and qualitative analysis for post-intent. RESULTS A total of 945 posts were included. Post-interactions ranged from 0 to 6500. Vaccine-related posts were the highest in number and increased over time. Non-profit organisations shared the highest number of posts (n = 241), but interactions were highest with personal and government accounts. Peaks in posts and interactions mapped to key pandemic-related announcements and events. CONCLUSION These results describe the breastfeeding and COVID-19 related content shared on Facebook over 13 months, and the associated interactions. Breastfeeding is an important public health issue and breastfeeding women have experienced conflicting and confusing breastfeeding-related information during the COVID-19 pandemic. Better understanding of social media usage, and the monitoring of changes in usage, as an emergency unfolds, can help target communications. This article adds to the evidence in understanding user reactions to COVID-19 related breastfeeding information on social media. SO WHAT?: Social listening is an important part of health communication and infodemic management. Understanding how users react to and engage with COVID-19 related breastfeeding information on social media can help to understand how the general public perceives and responds to health advice and other information being shared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Becky K White
- REACH Health Promotion Innovations, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sharyn K Burns
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Collaboration for Evidence, Research and Impact in Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jennie Carson
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jane A Scott
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Ickes SB, Lemein H, Arensen K, Kinyua J, Denno DM, Sanders HK, Walson JL, Martin SL, Nduati R, Palmquist AEL. Perinatal care and breastfeeding education during the COVID-19 pandemic: Perspectives from Kenyan mothers and healthcare workers. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2023; 19:e13500. [PMID: 37208841 PMCID: PMC10483952 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on breastfeeding (BF) practices in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is not well understood. Modifications in BF guidelines and delivery platforms for breastfeeding education during the COVID-19 pandemic are hypothesised to have affected BF practices. We aimed to understand the experiences with perinatal care, BF education and practice among Kenyan mothers who delivered infants during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted in-depth key informant interviews with 45 mothers who delivered infants between March 2020 and December 2021, and 26 health care workers (HCW) from four health facilities in Naivasha, Kenya. While mothers noted that HCWs provided quality care and BF counselling, individual BF counselling was cited to be less frequent than before the pandemic due to altered conditions in health facilities and COVID-19 safety protocols. Mothers stated that some HCW messages emphasised the immunologic importance of BF. However, knowledge among mothers about the safety of BF in the context of COVID-19 was limited, with few participants reporting specific counselling or educational materials on topics such as COVID-19 transmission through human milk and the safety of nursing during a COVID-19 infection. Mothers described COVID-19-related income loss and lack of support from family and friends as the major challenge to practising exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) as they wished or planned. COVID-19 restrictions limited or prevented mothers' access to familial support at facilities and at home, causing them stress and fatigue. In some cases, mothers reported job loss, time spent seeking new means of employment and food insecurity as causes for milk insufficiency, which contributed to mixed feeding before 6 months. The COVID-19 pandemic created changes to the perinatal experience for mothers. While messages about the importance of practising EBF were provided, altered HCW education delivery methods, reduced social support and food insecurity limit EBF practices for mothers in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott B. Ickes
- Department of Biological and Health SciencesWheaton CollegeWheatonIllinoisUSA
- Department of Health Systems and Population HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Kenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
| | | | - Kelly Arensen
- Department of Biological and Health SciencesWheaton CollegeWheatonIllinoisUSA
| | | | - Donna M. Denno
- Department of Health Systems and Population HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Hannah K. Sanders
- Department of Biological and Health SciencesWheaton CollegeWheatonIllinoisUSA
| | - Judd L. Walson
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Departments of Medicine (Allergy and Infectious Disease) and EpidemiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Stephanie L. Martin
- Department of Nutrition, Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public HealthUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Ruth Nduati
- Department of Pediatrics and Child HealthUniversity of NairobiNairobiKenya
| | - Aunchalee E. L. Palmquist
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public HealthUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
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11
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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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12
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Fant M, Rhoads S, Tucker J. Recognizing Early Warning Signs of Acute Hypertensive Crisis of the Postpartum Mother: An Important Role for Neonatal Nurses. Neonatal Netw 2023; 42:284-290. [PMID: 37657805 DOI: 10.1891/nn-2022-0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
A delay in detecting acute hypertensive crisis in postpartum mothers can exacerbate complications in the mother. Neonatal nurses are uniquely qualified to identify postpartum warning signs in mothers while they are in the NICU with their infants. Few research studies have explored the use of neonatal nurse screenings for acute hypertensive crisis in postpartum mothers. NICU nurses screening mothers for postpartum depression has yielded success in improving outcomes, and this model could be translated into screening for acute hypertensive crisis. Further education should be implemented for NICU nurses that include a review of adult blood pressure monitoring, early warning signs, and symptoms of preeclampsia that the mother should report. This article discusses the importance of the neonatal nurse's role in identifying early warning signs of maternal postpartum hypertensive crisis.
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13
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Kabir R, Bai ACM, Syed HZ, Hasan MR, Vinnakota D, Kar SK, Singh R, Sathian B, Arafat SY. The effect of COVID-19 on the mental health of the people in the Indian subcontinent: A scoping review. Nepal J Epidemiol 2023; 13:1268-1284. [PMID: 37692909 PMCID: PMC10484499 DOI: 10.3126/nje.v13i2.52766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Indian subcontinent has high mental heath burden and low resources to cope the mental health challenges. Assessment of impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health would help to prioritize the resource allocations. We aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of people in the Indian subcontinent. Following the PRISMA 2020 guideline, a scoping review was performed by systematically searching the PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases to identify original studies that assessed mental health conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Indian subcontinent. In this review, a total of 34 studies conducted between 2020 and 2022 were analyzed. The prevalence of anxiety disorders was found to range widely, from 2.5% in North Indian urban slum to 53% in Bangladesh and 21.7% in Pakistan. Similarly, the prevalence of depression varied widely, with rates ranging from 3.5% in North India to 29.8% in Pakistan. The prevalence of stress-related problems ranged from 18.3% in Pakistan to 59.7% in Bangladesh. Factors such as female gender, married status, healthcare workers, and mental illness were identified as important predictors of anxiety and depressive disorders. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in Indian subcontinent varies widely based on study population and methods. Therefore, a cautious interpretation is needed while generalizing the study results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell Kabir
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine, and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, United Kingdom
| | - Ancy Chandrababu Mercy Bai
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine, and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, United Kingdom
| | - Haniya Zehra Syed
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine, and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, United Kingdom
| | - Md. Rakibul Hasan
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine, and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, United Kingdom
| | - Divya Vinnakota
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, University of Sunderland London, UK
| | - Sujita Kumar Kar
- Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow-226003, U.P., India
| | - Rakesh Singh
- Department of Research, Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Nepal (TPO Nepal), Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Brijesh Sathian
- Geriatrics and long term care department, Rumailah Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - S.M. Yasir Arafat
- Department of Psychiatry, Enam Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka-1340, Bangladesh
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14
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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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15
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Feduniw S, Kajdy A, Sys D, Malinowska O, Wieczorek K, Bagińska K, Rabijewski M, Tataj-Puzyna U, Baranowska B. Did everyone change their childbirth plans due to the COVID-19 pandemic? A web-based cross-sectional survey of Polish pregnant women. J Adv Nurs 2023; 79:2664-2674. [PMID: 36895080 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM With the worldwide outbreak of coronavirus, a significant impact has been observed on the functioning of healthcare systems and the process of childbirth. Women probably did not even have a choice to adjust their plans accordingly to the current situation. The aim of the study was to examine how the outbreak of the SARS CoV-2 pandemic state affected the decisions of pregnant women about their childbirth plan. DESIGN This cross-sectional study was performed using a web-based survey published on social media in Poland. METHODS The cross-sectional study was performed using web-based questionnaires. The study group included Polish women who changed their childbirth plans, compared to a group of women not sure about delivery plan change and those whose plans had not changed. The data were collected from 4 March 2020 to 2 May 2020, when the first rising count of new infections was observed in Poland and worldwide. Statistical analysis was performed using STATISTICA Software, Inc., 13.3 (2020). RESULTS Of 969 women who completed the questionnaire and were enrolled into the study, 57.2% had not changed their childbirth plans (group I), 28.4% had changed their plans (group II), and 14.4% of respondents answered "not sure" to this question (group III). The majority of women changed their birth plans during the pandemic because of the potential absence of their partner during labour (56% of women who had changed their plans and 48% of those whose answer was "I am not sure", p < .001). Another reason was the fear of separation from the child after delivery (33% of women who had changed their plans and 30% of those whose answer was "I am not sure", p < .001). CONCLUSION Restrictions due to the COVID-19 outbreak have influenced the childbirth plans of pregnant women. The changes were independent of women's vision of birth before the pandemic. IMPACT The restriction on births with accompanying person and the risk of separation from their infant after childbirth significantly influenced the decision-making process. As a result, some women were more likely to opt for a home birth with or even without medical assistance. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION The study participants were women who were pregnant at the time of completing the questionnaire, were over 18 years old and spoke Polish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stepan Feduniw
- Department of Gynecology, University Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Anna Kajdy
- I-st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Sys
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | | | - Michał Rabijewski
- Department of Reproductive Health, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Urszula Tataj-Puzyna
- Department of Midwifery, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Barbara Baranowska
- Department of Midwifery, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
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16
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Ethical Considerations for the Delivery of Obstetric and Gynecologic Care During a Pandemic: ACOG Committee Statement No. 6. Obstet Gynecol 2023; 142:225-230. [PMID: 37348104 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Obstetrician-gynecologists (ob-gyns) are essential to providing high-quality health care, and this duty remains unchanged during pandemics. This Committee Statement discusses ethics related to the provision of obstetric and gynecologic care during a pandemic caused by a highly transmissible pathogen. As health care guidelines related to pandemics are created by institutions, ob-gyns have a responsibility to advocate for obstetric and gynecologic health priorities. Additionally, many clinical practice decisions made to reduce the spread of the infectious agent and maximize physicians' ability to care for those who need help will have ramifications on patient satisfaction, the patient-physician relationship, and equity in health outcomes. Obstetrician-gynecologists are obligated to protect themselves, their patients, and others by using appropriate protective measures (such as personal protective equipment and diagnostic testing) and observing institutional, state, and federal guidelines for the appropriate isolation and care of patients with suspected or confirmed disease.
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17
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Artzi-Medvedik R, Mariani I, Valente EP, Lazzerini M, Chertok IA. Factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding in Israel during the COVID-19 pandemic: a subset of the IMAgiNE EURO cross-sectional study. Int Breastfeed J 2023; 18:30. [PMID: 37296409 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-023-00568-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence has shown that restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic have negatively affected breastfeeding support and outcomes in hospitals in many countries. The aims of the study were to describe exclusive breastfeeding rates and identify factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge among women who gave birth during the COVID-19 pandemic in Israel. METHODS A cross-sectional online anonymous survey based on WHO standards for improving quality of maternal and newborn care in health facilities was conducted among a sample of women who gave birth to a healthy singleton infant in Israel during the pandemic (between March 2020 and April 2022). The socio-ecological approach was employed to examine intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, and community/society factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge according to women perspectives. RESULTS Among the 235 Israeli participants, 68.1% exclusively breastfed, 27.7% partially breastfed, and 4.2% did not breastfeed at discharge. Results of the adjusted logistic regression model showed that factors significantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding were the intrapersonal factor of multiparity (adjusted OR 2.09; 95% Confidence Interval 1.01,4.35) and the organizational factors of early breastfeeding in the first hour (aOR 2.17; 95% CI 1.06,4.45), and rooming-in (aOR 2.68; 95% CI 1.41,5.07). CONCLUSIONS Facilitating early breastfeeding initiation and supporting rooming-in are critical to promoting exclusive breastfeeding. These factors, reflecting hospital policies and practices, along with parity, are significantly associated with breastfeeding outcomes and highlight the influential role of the maternity environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Maternity care in hospitals should follow evidence-based breastfeeding recommendations also during the pandemic, promoting early exclusive breastfeeding and rooming-in among all women, with particular attention to providing lactation support to primiparous women. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical Trials NCT04847336.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rada Artzi-Medvedik
- School of Nursing, College of Health Sciences and Professions, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Ilaria Mariani
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Maternal and Child Health, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Emanuelle Pessa Valente
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Maternal and Child Health, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Marzia Lazzerini
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Maternal and Child Health, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
- Maternal Adolescent Reproductive and Child Health Care Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ilana Azulay Chertok
- School of Nursing, College of Health Sciences and Professions, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
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18
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Morniroli D, Vizzari G, Tosi M, Treglia G, Corsello A, Marchisio P, Mosca F, Agostoni C, Giannì ML, Milani GP, Pugni L. Mother-to-child transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection in high-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective observational studies. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8813. [PMID: 37258854 PMCID: PMC10230471 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36097-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mother-to-child transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has been reported since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a study to summarize evidence on the risk of mother-to-child transmission in the first 30 days after birth in high-income countries and to evaluate the association between preventive measures and the risk of infection for the neonate. A systematic review and meta-analysis were undertaken following PRISMA guidelines. The National Library of Medicine, Web of Science, and Excerpta Medica databases were screened on February 26, 2022. All prospective observational studies addressing the frequency of infection in infants born to mothers SARS-CoV-2 positive were included. Twenty-six studies were included, reporting data of 2653 mothers with SARS-CoV-2 and 2677 neonates. The proportion meta-analysis pointed out an overall estimate of SARS-CoV-2 infection among infants of 2.3% (95% CI: 1.4-3.2%). Data from studies with (1.4%, 95% CI: 0.8-2) and without (1.3%, 95% CI: 0.0-2.7%) rooming-in provided similar risk of infection. Adopting at least two prevention measures during rooming-in resulted in a rate of mother-to-child infection of 1.0% (95%CI: 0.3-1.7%). The results of this study show a low rate of perinatal infection, support the rooming-in and confirm the effectiveness of preventive measures in reducing the risk of mother-to-child viral transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Morniroli
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, via della Commenda 12, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Vizzari
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, NICU, Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Tosi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, via della Commenda 12, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgio Treglia
- Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, 6500, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, 6900, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Antonio Corsello
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, via della Commenda 12, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Marchisio
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, S.C. Pediatria-Pneumoinfettivologia, Milan, Lombardia, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Mosca
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, via della Commenda 12, 20122, Milan, Italy
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, NICU, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Agostoni
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, via della Commenda 12, 20122, Milan, Italy
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Pediatric Unit, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Lorella Giannì
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, via della Commenda 12, 20122, Milan, Italy.
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, NICU, Milan, Italy.
| | - Gregorio Paolo Milani
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, via della Commenda 12, 20122, Milan, Italy
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Pediatric Unit, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenza Pugni
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, NICU, Milan, Italy
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19
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Ochapa M, Baptiste-Roberts K, Barrett SE, Animasahun A, Bronner Y. The role of doulas in providing breastfeeding support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Int Breastfeed J 2023; 18:23. [PMID: 37085895 PMCID: PMC10120490 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-023-00558-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Doulas have been instrumental in providing breastfeeding support to nursing mothers before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, as they can significantly impact a mother's ability to initiate and maintain breastfeeding. However, the COVID-19 pandemic, subsequent lockdowns, and social isolation created challenges for nursing mothers to access doulas' services, usually provided in person. In this study, we examined the role of doulas in providing breastfeeding support during the COVID-19 pandemic, exploring adaptation to COVID-19 guidelines and the challenges doulas face in providing breastfeeding support during the pandemic. METHODS A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Thirteen scientific databases and twenty peer-reviewed journals were searched for journal articles published in English between January 2020 and March 2022 using key search terms (e.g., Doula, Breastfeeding, COVID-19). Studies evaluating the role of doulas in providing breastfeeding support during COVID-19, and the impact of COVID-19 Guidelines on doula services, were included. Two reviewers independently performed the risk of bias assessment and data extraction. Summative content analysis was used to analyze the data. RESULTS The majority of studies were conducted in developed nations. This systematic review includes eight articles, four qualitative, one survey, two mixed-methods studies, and one prospective research study. Seven of the eight studies were conducted in the United States, and the eighth was conducted in multiple countries. These studies have three main themes: (1) virtual breastfeeding support provided by doulas during the pandemic; (2) remote social support provided by doulas to breastfeeding mothers during the pandemic; and (3) barriers to doula service delivery due to COVID-19 restrictions, primarily the exclusion of doulas as essential workers. The eight studies showed that doulas found innovative ways to serve the needs of birthing and nursing mothers during the difficulties brought on by the pandemic. CONCLUSION Doulas provided breastfeeding support during the COVID-19 pandemic by utilizing innovative service delivery methods while navigating changes in COVID-19 guidance. However, system-level integration of doulas' work and the acknowledgment of doulas as essential healthcare providers are needed to enhance doula service delivery capacity, especially during a pandemic, to help improve maternal health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Ochapa
- School of Community Health and Policy, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Sharon E Barrett
- School of Community Health and Policy, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Adeola Animasahun
- School of Community Health and Policy, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yvonne Bronner
- School of Community Health and Policy, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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20
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Bham SQ, Khan KMA, Munaver SA, Sharif UHA. Breastfeeding practices in nursing mothers during COVID-19 pandemic: Dual center study in Karachi, Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci 2023; 39:467-473. [PMID: 36950424 PMCID: PMC10025714 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.39.2.6707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To identify the breastfeeding practices in nursing mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Pediatrics and Gynecology & Obstetrics departments at two of the tertiary care hospitals in Pakistan from September 2020 to February 2021. Recently delivered mothers and mothers of children till two years of age on breastfeeding/formula feed were consecutively enrolled. Result Of 484 participants, breastfeeding was practiced by 180 (37.2%) participants, formula-fed by 85 (17.6%), and mix feed by 219 (45.2%) participants. Out of 185 mothers who had to breastfeed previous babies, 80.2% of mothers still opted to breastfeed their newborns despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Breastfeeding practices exhibited higher incidence in illiterate mothers (aOR 0.229 95% CI 0.05-0.95, p- 0.042), housewives (aOR 0.35 95% CI 0.13-0.95 p-0.040) and shorter length of stay (aOR 0.290 95% CI 0.15-0.57, p- 0.001) while formula /mixed feeding was found higher in mothers with exposure to formula feeding in previous babies (aOR 17.842, 95% CI 8.33-38.19, p- 0.001) and mothers with pain after delivery (aOR 4.526, 95% CI 2.11-9.71, p-<0.001). Conclusion Mothers who had to breastfeed their babies in a previous pregnancy, who were less educated, and housewives with a shorter stay in hospital have shown a stronger association with breastfeeding whereas mothers who had previous exposure to formula milk and pain after delivery have shown association to formula feed or mixed feed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shireen Qassim Bham
- Shireen Qassim Bham, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Fazaia Ruth Pfau Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Khalid Mahmood Ahmad Khan
- Khalid Mahmood Ahmad Khan, Professor of Pediatrics, Fazaia Ruth Pfau Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sagheera Anjum Munaver
- Sagheera Anjum Munaver, Associate Professor, Department of OBGYN, Fazaia Ruth Pfau Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Umer Hayat Ahmed Sharif
- Umer Hayat Ahmed Sharif, Medical student, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
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Cimino S, Cerniglia L. Impact of Maternal-Newborn Separation in Italian Women with Suspected COVID-19 Infection on Psychopathological Symptoms and Quality of Interactions during Breastfeeding. Psychopathology 2023; 56:335-341. [PMID: 36599310 PMCID: PMC9893000 DOI: 10.1159/000528410] [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] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Before the COVID-19 pandemic, proximity between mothers and their newborn infants was at the core of sanitary guidelines. With the aim of stopping the virus transmission from mothers to infants and possible physical dangers due to the infection, some hospitals discouraged or even prohibited skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding. METHOD This study recruited 180 dyads in private and public hospitals in Italy with the aim of verifying whether mother-infant separation after delivery is associated with higher maternal psychopathological distress (assessed through the SCL-90-R) and poorer quality of dyadic interactions during breastfeeding (evaluated through the SVIA). RESULTS Our results showed that mothers separated from their infants displayed more anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms and a lower quality of feeding interactions on all the subscales of the SVIA (mother's affective state; interactive conflict; food refusal behavior; dyad's affective state). CONCLUSION In light of these results, our study suggests that separating mothers from their newborns is associated with increased psychopathological symptoms in mothers and poorer feeding interactions. These issues have been posited as key predictors of maladaptive outcomes in infants' later lives; therefore, health services must fully consider the short- and long-term consequences of separating mothers and infants in their policies in the event of future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Cimino
- Department of Dynamic Clinical and Health Psychology, Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Cerniglia
- Faculty of Psychology, International Telematic University Uninettuno, Rome, Italy
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22
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Kendall S, Merritt R, Eida T, Pérez‐Escamilla R. Becoming breastfeeding friendly in Great Britain-Does implementation science work? MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2023; 19 Suppl 1:e13393. [PMID: 35851990 PMCID: PMC9835571 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The Becoming Breastfeeding Friendly (BBF) in Great Britain study was conducted during 2017-2019 comprising three country studies: BBF England, Wales and Scotland. It was part of an international project being coordinated during the same period by the Yale School of Public Health across five world regions to inform countries and guide policies to improve the environment for the promotion, protection and support of breastfeeding. This paper reports on the application of the BBF process that is based on an implementation science approach, across the countries that constitute Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland). The process involves assessing 54 benchmarks across eight interlocking gears that drive a country's 'engine' towards a sustainable policy approach to supporting, promoting and protecting breastfeeding. It takes a consensus-oriented approach to the evaluation of benchmarks and the development of recommendations. This paper provides a critical overview of how the process was conducted, the findings and recommendations that emerged and how these were managed. We draw on critical theory as a theoretical framework for explaining the different outcomes for each country and some considerations for future action.
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23
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Hanum S, Rustina Y, Waluyanti FT. Breastfeeding a Premature Baby During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Perinatology: An Exploration of Mothers' Experiences. Glob Qual Nurs Res 2023; 10:23333936231220738. [PMID: 38152670 PMCID: PMC10752073 DOI: 10.1177/23333936231220738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to explore the meaning of mothers' experiences of breastfeeding premature babies while being treated in the perinatology room during the COVID-19 pandemic. A descriptive phenomenological design was used in this study to describe the meaning of mothers' experiences. In-depth interviews were conducted with 11 mothers. The analysis of transcribed data resulted in three themes: (1) The pandemic has made it difficult for me to meet my baby, (2) Breastfeeding is not easy, and (3) I am a breast milk pumper. The breastfeeding experience of having a premature baby and being cared for by perinatology during a pandemic is full of challenges and limited support. The results of this study suggest that a review of the current regulations be carried out, and the staff be given continuing lactation education to strengthen breastfeeding support to mothers with premature babies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yeni Rustina
- Universitas Indonesia, Depok, West Java, Indonesia
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24
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Policies and Practices on Out-of-Hospital Birth: a Review of Qualitative Studies in the Time of Coronavirus. CURRENT SEXUAL HEALTH REPORTS 2023; 15:36-48. [PMID: 36530373 PMCID: PMC9735103 DOI: 10.1007/s11930-022-00354-7] [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] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on out-of-hospital births (at home or in an independent birth center) in high-income countries in the time of coronavirus. Qualitative studies published between 2020 and 2022 providing findings on women's and health providers' perspectives and experiences, as well as policies and practices implemented, are synthetized. Recent Findings During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of women choosing the home or a birth center to deliver has grown considerably. Main reasons for this choice include fear of contagion in facilities and restrictions during delivery and the post-partum period, especially women's separation from their companion of choice and their newborn. Findings suggest that homebirth within a public model has several advantages in the experience of birth for both women and professionals during the pandemic period, maintaining the benefits of biomedicine when needed. Summary During the COVID-19 pandemic, the interest in out-of-hospital birth increased in high-income countries, and the number of women choosing the home or a birth center to deliver has grown considerably. This review aims to give a more in-depth understanding of women's and health providers' perspectives on and experiences of out-of-hospital birth services during this period. Twenty-five studies in different countries, including the USA, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the UK, Spain, Croatia, and Norway, were reviewed. Findings stress that out-of-hospital birth has allowed women to deliver according to their wishes and needs. In addition, the pandemic experience represents an opportunity for policy to better support and integrate out-of-hospital services in the health care system in the future.
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Reynolds NR, Baker D, D'Aoust R, Docal M, Goldstein N, Grubb L, Hladek MD, Koirala B, Kverno K, Ling C, Lukkahatai N, McIltrot K, Pandian V, Regier NG, Sloand E, Tomori C, Wenzel J. COVID-19: Implications for Nursing and Health Care in the United States. J Nurs Scholarsh 2023; 55:187-201. [PMID: 36583656 PMCID: PMC9847252 DOI: 10.1111/jnu.12853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE COVID-19 and other recent infectious disease outbreaks have highlighted the urgency of robust, resilient health systems. We may now have the opportunity to reform the flawed health care system that made COVID-19 far more damaging in the United States (U.S.) than necessary. DESIGN AND METHODS Guided by the World Health Organization (WHO) Health System Building Blocks framework (WHO, 2007) and the socio-ecological model (e.g., McLeroy et al., 1988), we identified challenges in and strengths of the U.S.' handling of the pandemic, lessons learned, and policy implications for more resilient future health care delivery in the U.S. Using the aforementioned frameworks, we identified crucial, intertwined domains that have influenced and been influenced by health care delivery in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic through a review and analysis of the COVID-19 literature and the collective expertise of a panel of research and clinical experts. An iterative process using a modified Delphi technique was used to reach consensus. FINDINGS Four critically important, inter-related domains needing improvement individually, interpersonally, within communities, and for critical public policy reform were identified: Social determinants of health, mental health, communication, and the nursing workforce. CONCLUSIONS The four domains identified in this analysis demonstrate the challenges generated or intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, their dynamic interconnectedness, and the critical importance of health equity to resilient health systems, an effective pandemic response, and better health for all. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The novel coronavirus is unlikely to be the last pandemic in the U.S. and globally. To control COVID-19 and prevent unnecessary suffering and social and economic damage from future pandemics, the U.S. will need to improve its capacity to protect the public's health. Complex problems require multi-level solutions across critical domains. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored four interrelated domains that reveal and compound deep underlying problems in the socioeconomic structure and health care system of the U.S. In so doing, however, the pandemic illuminates the way toward reforms that could improve our ability not only to cope with likely future epidemics but also to better serve the health care needs of the entire population. This article highlights the pressing need for multi-level individual, interpersonal, community, and public policy reforms to improve clinical care and public health outcomes in the current COVID-19 pandemic and future pandemics, and offers recommendations to achieve these aims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy R. Reynolds
- Sigma Theta Tau International Nu Beta at‐Large ChapterSchool of NursingJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Deborah Baker
- Sigma Theta Tau International Nu Beta at‐Large ChapterSchool of NursingJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Rita D'Aoust
- Sigma Theta Tau International Nu Beta at‐Large ChapterSchool of NursingJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Maria Docal
- Sigma Theta Tau International Nu Beta at‐Large ChapterSchool of NursingJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Nancy Goldstein
- Sigma Theta Tau International Nu Beta at‐Large ChapterSchool of NursingJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Lisa Grubb
- Sigma Theta Tau International Nu Beta at‐Large ChapterSchool of NursingJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Melissa D. Hladek
- Sigma Theta Tau International Nu Beta at‐Large ChapterSchool of NursingJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Binu Koirala
- Sigma Theta Tau International Nu Beta at‐Large ChapterSchool of NursingJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Karan Kverno
- Sigma Theta Tau International Nu Beta at‐Large ChapterSchool of NursingJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Catherine Ling
- Sigma Theta Tau International Nu Beta at‐Large ChapterSchool of NursingJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Nada Lukkahatai
- Sigma Theta Tau International Nu Beta at‐Large ChapterSchool of NursingJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Kimberly McIltrot
- Sigma Theta Tau International Nu Beta at‐Large ChapterSchool of NursingJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Vinciya Pandian
- Sigma Theta Tau International Nu Beta at‐Large ChapterSchool of NursingJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Natalie G. Regier
- Sigma Theta Tau International Nu Beta at‐Large ChapterSchool of NursingJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Elizabeth Sloand
- Sigma Theta Tau International Nu Beta at‐Large ChapterSchool of NursingJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Cecília Tomori
- Sigma Theta Tau International Nu Beta at‐Large ChapterSchool of NursingJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Jennifer Wenzel
- Sigma Theta Tau International Nu Beta at‐Large ChapterSchool of NursingJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
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Maria A, Mukherjee R, Upadhyay S, Pratima K, Bandyopadhyay T, Gupta R, Dubey B, Sharma A, Mall PK, Sahoo M, Pathak KK, Pawar P, Mohapatra A. Barriers and enablers of breastfeeding in mother-newborn dyads in institutional settings during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study across seven government hospitals of Delhi, India. Front Nutr 2022; 9:1052340. [PMID: 36570141 PMCID: PMC9773092 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1052340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted newborn care and breastfeeding practices across most healthcare facilities. We undertook this study to explore the barriers and enablers for newborn care and breastfeeding practices in hospitals in Delhi, India for recently delivered mother (RDM)-newborn dyads during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020) and inductively design a "pathway of impaction" for informing mitigatory initiatives during the current and future pandemics, at least in the initial months. Materials and methods We used an exploratory descriptive design (qualitative research method) and collected information from seven leading public health facilities in Delhi, India. We conducted separate interviews with the head and senior faculty from the Departments of Pediatrics/Neonatology (n = 12) and Obstetrics (n = 7), resident doctors (n = 14), nurses (labor room/maternity ward; n = 13), and RDMs (n = 45) across three profiles: (a) COVID-19-negative RDM with healthy newborn (n = 18), (b) COVID-19-positive RDM with healthy newborn (n = 19), and (c) COVID-19 positive RDM with sick newborn needing intensive care (n = 8) along with their care-giving family members (n = 39). We analyzed the data using grounded theory as the method and phenomenology as the philosophy of our research. Results Anxiety among clients and providers, evolving evidence and advisories, separation of the COVID-positive RDM from her newborn at birth, providers' tendency to minimize contact duration and frequency with COVID-positive mothers, compromised counseling on breastfeeding, logistic difficulties in expression and transportation of COVID-positive mother's milk to her baby in the nursery, COVID restrictions, staff shortage and unavailable family support in wards and nursery, and inadequate infrastructure were identified as major barriers. Keeping the RDM-newborn together, harmonization of standard operating procedures between professional associations and within and between departments, strategic mobilization of resources, optimization of human resources, strengthening client-provider interaction, risk triaging, leveraging technology, and leadership-in-crisis-situations were notable enablers. Conclusion The separation of the RDM and newborn led to a cascade of disruptions to newborn care and breastfeeding practices in the study institutions. Separating the newborn from the mother should be avoided during public health emergencies unless there is robust evidence favoring the same; routine institutional practices should be family centered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arti Maria
- Department of Neonatology, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India,*Correspondence: Arti Maria
| | - Ritika Mukherjee
- Generating Research Insights for Development (GRID) Council, Executive Office, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Swati Upadhyay
- Department of Neonatology, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Kumari Pratima
- Department of Neonatology, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Tapas Bandyopadhyay
- Department of Neonatology, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Rachita Gupta
- WHO Country Office for India, Nutrition, R.K. Khanna Stadium, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi, India
| | - Bhawna Dubey
- Department of Neonatology, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Abhinav Sharma
- Department of Neonatology, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Pranaya Kumar Mall
- Department of Neonatology, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Manaswinee Sahoo
- Department of Neonatology, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Keshav Kumar Pathak
- 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
| | - Archisman Mohapatra
- Generating Research Insights for Development (GRID) Council, Executive Office, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India,Archisman Mohapatra
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Chertok IA, Artzi-Medvedik R, Arendt M, Sacks E, Otelea MR, Rodrigues C, Costa R, Linden K, Zaigham M, Elden H, Drandic D, Grylka-Baeschlin S, Miani C, Valente EP, Covi B, Lazzerini M, Mariani I. Factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding at discharge during the COVID-19 pandemic in 17 WHO European Region countries. Int Breastfeed J 2022; 17:83. [PMID: 36461061 PMCID: PMC9716162 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-022-00517-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exclusive breastfeeding is the optimal infant nutrition, providing infants immunoprotection against many diseases including SARS-CoV-2 infection. Restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic may have negatively affected breastfeeding practices in maternity care facilities. The aims of the study were to examine exclusive breastfeeding rates at discharge over time and to identify factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding during the pandemic. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted among mothers who gave birth in a maternity care facility in the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. The socio-ecological model was employed to examine intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, and community/society factors associated with maternal report of exclusive breastfeeding at the time of discharge. RESULTS There were 26,709 participating mothers from 17 European Region countries who were included in the analysis. Among the mothers, 72.4% (n = 19,350) exclusively breastfed and 27.6% (n = 7,359) did not exclusively breastfeed at discharge. There was an overall decline in exclusive breastfeeding rates over time (p = 0.015) with a significantly lower rate following the publication of the WHO breastfeeding guidelines on 23 June 2020 (AOR 0.88; 95% CI 0.82, 0.94). Factors significantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding outcomes in the logistic regression analysis included maternal age, parity, education, health insurance, mode of birth, inadequate breastfeeding support, lack of early breastfeeding initiation, lack of full rooming-in, birth attendant, perceived healthcare professionalism and attention, facility room cleanliness, timing of birth, and location of birth. CONCLUSIONS Results from the study indicate the decline in exclusive breastfeeding rates in the WHO European Region during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using the socio-ecological model to identify factors associated with breastfeeding outcomes facilitates an integrated and holistic approach to address breastfeeding needs among women across the region. These findings demonstrate the need to augment breastfeeding support and to protect exclusive breastfeeding among mother-infant dyads, in an effort to reverse the declining exclusive breastfeeding rates. The study highlights the need to educate mothers and their families about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, reduce maternal-infant separation, increase professional breastfeeding support, and follow evidence-based practice guidelines to promote breastfeeding in a comprehensive and multi-level manner. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Clinical Trials NCT04847336.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilana Azulay Chertok
- grid.20627.310000 0001 0668 7841Ohio University, Athens, OH USA ,grid.443022.30000 0004 0636 0840Ruppin College, Emek Hefer, Israel
| | - Rada Artzi-Medvedik
- grid.20627.310000 0001 0668 7841Ohio University, Athens, OH USA ,grid.7489.20000 0004 1937 0511Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheva, Israel
| | - Maryse Arendt
- BLL Beruffsverband vun den Laktatiounsberoderinnen zu Lëtzebuerg, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Emma Sacks
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Marina Ruxandra Otelea
- grid.8194.40000 0000 9828 7548Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carina Rodrigues
- grid.5808.50000 0001 1503 7226Instituto de Saude Publica, Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Raquel Costa
- grid.5808.50000 0001 1503 7226Instituto de Saude Publica, Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Karolina Linden
- grid.8761.80000 0000 9919 9582Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mehreen Zaigham
- grid.411843.b0000 0004 0623 9987Skane University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Helen Elden
- grid.8761.80000 0000 9919 9582Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Daniela Drandic
- Reproductive Rights Advocacy Program (RODA)- Parents in Action, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Céline Miani
- grid.7491.b0000 0001 0944 9128School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Emanuelle Pessa Valente
- grid.418712.90000 0004 1760 7415Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Trieste, Italy
| | - Benedetta Covi
- grid.418712.90000 0004 1760 7415Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marzia Lazzerini
- grid.418712.90000 0004 1760 7415Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Trieste, Italy
| | - Ilaria Mariani
- grid.418712.90000 0004 1760 7415Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Trieste, Italy
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Nedberg IH, Vik ES, Kongslien S, Mariani I, Valente EP, Covi B, Lazzerini M, Roda DD, Kurbanović M, Virginie R, de La Rochebrochard E, Löfgren K, Miani C, Batram‐Zantvoort S, Wandschneider L, Morano S, Chertok I, Artzi‐Medvedik R, Pumpure E, Rezeberga D, Jansone‐Šantare G, Jakovicka D, Vaska A, Knoka AR, Vilcāne KP, Liepinaitienė A, Kondrakova A, Mizgaitienė M, Juciūtė S, Arendt M, Tasch B, Baranowska B, Tataj‐Puzyna U, Węgrzynowska M, Costa R, Barata C, Santos T, Rodrigues C, Dias H, Otelea MR, Radetić J, Ružičić J, Drglin Z, Ponikvar BM, Bohinec A, Brigidi S, Castañeda LM, Elden H, Sengpiel V, Linden K, Zaigham M, De Labrusse C, Abderhalden A, Pfund A, Thorn H, Grylka S, Gemperle M, Mueller A. Quality of health care around the time of childbirth during the COVID-19 pandemic: Results from the IMAgiNE EURO study in Norway and trends over time. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2022; 159 Suppl 1:85-96. [PMID: 36530008 PMCID: PMC9877678 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe maternal perception of the quality of maternal and newborn care (QMNC) in facilities in Norway during the first year of COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Women who gave birth in a Norwegian facility from March 1, 2020, to October 28, 2021, filled out a structured online questionnaire based on 40 WHO standards-based quality measures. Quantile regression analysis was performed to assess changes in QMNC index over time. RESULTS Among 3326 women included, 3085 experienced labor. Of those, 1799 (58.3%) reported that their partner could not be present as much as needed, 918 (29.8%) noted inadequate staff numbers, 183 (43.6%) lacked a consent request for instrumental vaginal birth (IVB), 1067 (34.6%) reported inadequate communication from staff, 78 (18.6%) reported fundal pressure during IVB, 670 (21.7%) reported that they were not treated with dignity, and 249 (8.1%) reported experiencing abuse. The QMNC index increased gradually over time (3.68 points per month, 95% CI, 2.83-4.53 for the median), with the domains of COVID-19 reorganizational changes and experience of care displaying the greatest increases, while provision of care was stable over time. CONCLUSION Although several measures showed high QMNC in Norway during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, and a gradual improvement over time, several findings suggest that gaps in QMNC exist. These gaps should be addressed and monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingvild Hersoug Nedberg
- Department of Health and Care Sciences, Faculty of Health SciencesUiT The Arctic University of NorwayTromsøNorway
| | - Eline Skirnisdottir Vik
- Department of Health and Caring SciencesWestern Norway University of Applied SciencesBergenNorway
| | - Sigrun Kongslien
- Department of Health and Care Sciences, Faculty of Health SciencesUiT The Arctic University of NorwayTromsøNorway
| | - Ilaria Mariani
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Maternal and Child HealthInstitute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”TriesteItaly
| | - Emanuelle Pessa Valente
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Maternal and Child HealthInstitute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”TriesteItaly
| | - Benedetta Covi
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Maternal and Child HealthInstitute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”TriesteItaly
| | - Marzia Lazzerini
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Maternal and Child HealthInstitute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”TriesteItaly
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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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Nuampa S, Ratinthorn A, Patil CL, Kuesakul K, Prasong S, Sudphet M. Impact of personal and environmental factors affecting exclusive breastfeeding practices in the first six months during the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand: a mixed-methods approach. Int Breastfeed J 2022; 17:73. [PMID: 36253791 PMCID: PMC9576315 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-022-00515-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for six months is recommended as one of the most important ways to support child health and survival, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, breastfeeding women encountered several obstacles during the pandemic. The purpose of this study was to conduct a survey to document breastfeeding practices, EBF rates and associated factors with six month exclusive breastfeeding during the second wave of the coronavirus outbreak in Thailand. Methods A mixed-methods design that included a cross-sectional survey (n = 390) and semi-structured in-depth interviews (n = 15) was carried out between August and November 2021. Participants were women aged ≥ 15 years who had given birth within 6–12 months before data collection and delivered in three public hospitals in the top three provinces with the most severe COVID-19 outbreaks. Results The median duration of EBF was four months (interquartile range, IQR: 1–6 months) and 37.4% of women exclusively breastfed for six months. From binary logistic regression models, several personal factors were associated with exclusive breastfeeding for six months including being a housewife (AOR 2.848; 95% CI 1.512, 5.367), perceived sufficiency of family income (AOR 2.502; 95% CI 1.362, 4.594), working from home/business (AOR 2.071; 95% CI 1.074, 3.995), breastfeeding intention (AOR 1.162; 95% CI 1.116, 1.210), and maternal age (AOR 0.932; 95% CI 0.882, 0.986). From qualitative interviews, women who were able to exclusively breastfed during the outbreak explained five themes that were a protective shield; I have to save money, I could spend all my time with my baby and breastfeed, spousal support is valuable, and opportunity to avoid the obstructed beliefs about exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusions Mothers with higher socioeconomic status and who were unemployed/worked from home and had support structures in place were able to successfully EBF during the COVID-19 outbreak. Healthcare providers can better support breastfeeding if they provide informational support and allow family members to participate in breastfeeding programs, especially spouses who provided key emotional and tangible support during pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasitara Nuampa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Ameporn Ratinthorn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Crystal L Patil
- Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kornkanok Kuesakul
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sudhathai Prasong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Metpapha Sudphet
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Martin MA, Keith M, Pace RM, Williams JE, Ley SH, Barbosa-Leiker C, Caffé B, Smith CB, Kunkle A, Lackey KA, Navarrete AD, Pace CDW, Gogel AC, Eisenberg DT, Fehrenkamp BD, McGuire MA, McGuire MK, Meehan CL, Brindle E. SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody trajectories in mothers and infants over two months following maternal infection. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1015002. [PMID: 36304449 PMCID: PMC9596287 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1015002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Infants exposed to caregivers infected with SARS-CoV-2 may have heightened infection risks relative to older children due to their more intensive care and feeding needs. However, there has been limited research on COVID-19 outcomes in exposed infants beyond the neonatal period. Between June 2020 - March 2021, we conducted interviews and collected capillary dried blood spots from 46 SARS-CoV-2 infected mothers and their infants (aged 1-36 months) for up to two months following maternal infection onset (COVID+ group, 87% breastfeeding). Comparative data were also collected from 26 breastfeeding mothers with no known SARS-CoV-2 infection or exposures (breastfeeding control group), and 11 mothers who tested SARS-CoV-2 negative after experiencing symptoms or close contact exposure (COVID- group, 73% breastfeeding). Dried blood spots were assayed for anti-SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD IgG and IgA positivity and anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1 + S2 IgG concentrations. Within the COVID+ group, the mean probability of seropositivity among infant samples was lower than that of corresponding maternal samples (0.54 and 0.87, respectively, for IgG; 0.33 and 0.85, respectively, for IgA), with likelihood of infant infection positively associated with the number of maternal symptoms and other household infections reported. COVID+ mothers reported a lower incidence of COVID-19 symptoms among their infants as compared to themselves and other household adults, and infants had similar PCR positivity rates as other household children. No samples returned by COVID- mothers or their infants tested antibody positive. Among the breastfeeding control group, 44% of mothers but none of their infants tested antibody positive in at least one sample. Results support previous research demonstrating minimal risks to infants following maternal COVID-19 infection, including for breastfeeding infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie A. Martin
- Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States,Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States,*Correspondence: Melanie A. Martin,
| | - Monica Keith
- Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States,Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Ryan M. Pace
- Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - Janet E. Williams
- Department of Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - Sylvia H. Ley
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane University School of Public Health, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Celestina Barbosa-Leiker
- College of Nursing, Washington State University Health Sciences Spokane, Spokane, WA, United States
| | - Beatrice Caffé
- Department of Anthropology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Caroline B. Smith
- Department of Anthropology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Amanda Kunkle
- Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Kimberly A. Lackey
- Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - Alexandra D. Navarrete
- Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, United States
| | - Christina D. W. Pace
- Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - Alexandra C. Gogel
- Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - Dan T.A. Eisenberg
- Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States,Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Bethaney D. Fehrenkamp
- Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States,Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho (WWAMI) Medical Education, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - Mark A. McGuire
- Department of Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - Michelle K. McGuire
- Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - Courtney L. Meehan
- Department of Anthropology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Eleanor Brindle
- Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States,Maternal, Newborn and Child Health & Nutrition, PATH, Seattle, WA, United States
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Lubbe W, Niela-Vilén H, Thomson G, Botha E. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Breastfeeding Support Services and Women's Experiences of Breastfeeding: A Review. Int J Womens Health 2022; 14:1447-1457. [PMID: 36225180 PMCID: PMC9549794 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s342754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this systematic review was to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on breastfeeding support services and continuation rates. Methods Electronic searches were undertaken in seven databases: Academic Search Complete, Springer Nature Journals, CINAHL Medline, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, Masterfile premier, and SocINDEX. Publications following the COVID-19 pandemic between January 2020 and March 2022 were searched for using the following keywords: impact or effect or influence and breastfeeding support and breastfeeding continuation and COVID-19 or coronavirus. Fifteen studies were included for investigation and extracted to identify seven themes related to breastfeeding support during COVID-19. Results Factors which impacted breastfeeding support during the COVID-19 pandemic included separation, lack of skin-to-skin contact, insufficient support, online breastfeeding support, the impact of the pandemic on breastfeeding rates and experiences, fears of the pandemic, and the need for additional support. The pandemic mostly influenced breastfeeding support negatively, with a small exception occurring where some mothers experienced lockdown as positive since it protected the mother-infant dyad from unwanted visitors. Virtual breastfeeding support was introduced in many contexts; however, practitioners and mothers reported that this could not replace the need for face-to-face support. Conclusion Breastfeeding is a lifesaving intervention, especially in the face of a disruption such as a pandemic. This work highlights the need for clear, consistent, and evidence-based information about risks, and for key practices to be maintained including not separating mothers and infants, promoting skin-to-skin contact, and ensuring availability of high-quality breastfeeding support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Welma Lubbe
- School of Nursing Science/NuMIQ Research Focus Area, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa,Correspondence: Welma Lubbe, Email
| | | | - Gill Thomson
- School of Community Health and Midwifery, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | - Elina Botha
- School of Social Services and Health Care, Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Tampere, Finland
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Wyatt S, Aldridge P, Ross S, Narayanan S, Zuccolo L. The Frequency of Infant-Feeding Presentations at English Emergency Departments During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Nation-Wide Electronic Health Records Study. Cureus 2022; 14:e27645. [PMID: 36072185 PMCID: PMC9439262 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.27645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Sampieri CL, Fragoso KG, Córdoba-Suárez D, Zenteno-Cuevas R, Montero H. Influence of skin-to-skin contact on breastfeeding: results of the Mexican National Survey of Demographic Dynamics, 2018. Int Breastfeed J 2022; 17:49. [PMID: 35799253 PMCID: PMC9261042 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-022-00489-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding initiation within the first hour after birth are key recommendations to promote breastfeeding. In Mexico, the National Survey of Demographic Dynamics 2018, known by its Spanish acronym ENADID, collected information about breastfeeding practices. The ENADID survey is probabilistic and allows results to be generalized to the entire population in Mexico. Methods Information from a public database featuring 26,587 mother-baby pairs was analyzed by proportions, means and associations, as well as machine learning methods, to conduct a comparison among the pairs according to immediate skin-to-skin contact after delivery status. Results Skin-to-skin contact was described by 78.7% of the mothers and was associated with receiving an explanation regarding how to give breastmilk or the breast to the baby immediately following birth [Odds ratio (OR) 6.46; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 6.02, 6.97], initiating breastfeeding in the first hour of life (OR 2.01; 95% CI (1.84, 2.18) and a breastfeeding duration of ≥ 6 months (OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.08, 1.25). The breastfeeding duration, in days, was greater in the group with skin-to-skin contact than in the group without skin contact. Conclusions In Mexico, immediate and uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact between newborns and their mothers should be facilitated. Support should be provided to mothers to favor skin-to-skin contact and breasting initiation during the first hour of life, ideally through an empathic explanation by trained health personnel. Future research should focus on the evaluation of strategies to modify maternity services to facilitate immediate skin-to-skin contact after delivery and develop training programs for health personnel to support the initiation of breastfeeding during the first hour of life. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13006-022-00489-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Luz Sampieri
- Instituto de Salud Pública, Universidad Veracruzana, Av. Luis Castelazo Ayala S/N, Col. Industrial Ánimas, 91190, Xalapa, Veracruz, México.
| | - Karina Gutiérrez Fragoso
- Instituto Tecnológico Superior del Oriente del Estado de Hidalgo, ITESA. Carretera Apan-Tepeapulco km 3.5, Las Peñitas, 43900, Apan, Hidalgo, México
| | - Daniel Córdoba-Suárez
- Instituto de Salud Pública, Universidad Veracruzana, Av. Luis Castelazo Ayala S/N, Col. Industrial Ánimas, 91190, Xalapa, Veracruz, México
| | - Roberto Zenteno-Cuevas
- Instituto de Salud Pública, Universidad Veracruzana, Av. Luis Castelazo Ayala S/N, Col. Industrial Ánimas, 91190, Xalapa, Veracruz, México
| | - Hilda Montero
- Instituto de Salud Pública, Universidad Veracruzana, Av. Luis Castelazo Ayala S/N, Col. Industrial Ánimas, 91190, Xalapa, Veracruz, México
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Souza SRRK, Pereira AP, Prandini NR, Resende ACAP, de Freitas EAM, Trigueiro TH, Wall ML. Breastfeeding in times of COVID-19: a scoping review. Rev Esc Enferm USP 2022; 56:e20210556. [PMID: 35723901 PMCID: PMC10081646 DOI: 10.1590/1980-220x-reeusp-2021-0556en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE to identify how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced postpartum women in breastfeeding. METHOD a scoping review, with a search in seven databases. Studies available in full, in English, Portuguese or Spanish, published from December/2019-April/2021 were included. The analysis was carried out by categorizing common themes. RESULTS 25 studies were included, grouped into five categories, presenting the influence of the pandemic: in the routine of breastfeeding care, evidencing preventive measures against COVID-19; in breastfeeding rates, highlighting changes in dietary practices; in the support network for breastfeeding, indicating a lack of service care; in the postpartum women's emotions, with predominance of concern and stress; in the use of technology to support breastfeeding, with teleservice facilitating care. CONCLUSION the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced new forms of care, in the offer and duration of breastfeeding, in emotional health and in the support network fragility. It is expected to contribute so that health professionals provide care with greater assertiveness in the face of this new situation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Paula Pereira
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Faculdade de Enfermagem, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Naiane Ribeiro Prandini
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Marilene Loewen Wall
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Departamento de Enfermagem, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
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Tomori C, Penta B, Richman R. Centering the Right to Health of Childbearing People in the US During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Public Health 2022; 10:862454. [PMID: 35719640 PMCID: PMC9201686 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.862454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Childbearing people in the US have experienced the double burden of increased risks from infection and significant disruptions to access and quality of essential health care services during the COVID pandemic. A single person could face multiple impacts across the course of their reproductive trajectory. We highlight how failure to prioritize this population in the COVID-19 policy response have led to profound disruptions from contraception services to vaccination access, which violate foundational principles of public health, human rights and perpetuate inequities. These disruptions continued through the omicron surge, during which many health systems became overwhelmed and re-imposed earlier restrictions. We argue that an integrated pandemic response that prioritizes the healthcare needs and rights of childbearing people must be implemented to avoid deepening inequities in this and future pandemics.
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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
| | - Bhavana Penta
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Rebecca Richman
- 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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Impact of Coronavirus Disease-2019 on Hospital Care for Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome. J Pediatr 2022; 245:47-55. [PMID: 35131283 PMCID: PMC8816795 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare prenatal exposures, hospital care processes, and hospitalization outcomes for opioid-exposed newborns before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. STUDY DESIGN In this multicenter retrospective analysis, data were collected from 19 Massachusetts hospitals, including 5 academic and 14 community hospitals. The pre-COVID-19 cohort was defined as births occurring during March 1, 2019-February 28, 2020, and the COVID-19 cohort was defined as births occurring during March 1, 2020-December 31, 2020. Opioid-exposed newborns born at ≥35 weeks of gestation were included. Differences in prenatal substance exposures, hospital care processes, and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) outcomes, including pharmacologic treatment for NOWS (PharmTx), length of stay (LOS), and as-needed (prn) treatment failure rates, were evaluated. RESULTS There were 663 opioid-exposed newborns in the pre-COVID-19 group and 476 in the COVID-19 group. No between-group differences were seen in prenatal substance exposures or the need for PharmTx. Compared with the pre-COVID-19 group, in the COVID-19 group there was less rooming-in after maternal discharge (53.8% vs 63.0%; P = .001) and less care in the pediatric unit setting (23.5% vs 25.3%; P = .001), longer LOS (adjusted risk ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.08), and a higher rate of breast milk receipt at discharge (aOR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.22-3.39). Within the subset of academic centers, more infants failed prn treatment in the COVID-19 group (53.8% vs 26.5%, P = .02; aOR, 3.77; 95% CI, 0.98-14.5). CONCLUSIONS Among the hospitals in our collaborative, hospital processes for NOWS, including care setting, rooming-in, and LOS were negatively impacted in the COVID-19 group, particularly in academic medical centers.
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Viaño Nogueira P, Míguez Campos M, Fiel Ozores A, González Piñeiro Y. COVID-19 y lactancia materna exclusiva: ¿están realmente relacionados? An Pediatr (Barc) 2022; 97:295-296. [PMID: 35754553 PMCID: PMC9212914 DOI: 10.1016/j.anpedi.2022.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Viaño Nogueira
- Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital do Salnés, Vilagarcía de Arousa, Pontevedra, España
| | - María Míguez Campos
- Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital do Salnés, Vilagarcía de Arousa, Pontevedra, España
| | - Antía Fiel Ozores
- Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital do Salnés, Vilagarcía de Arousa, Pontevedra, España
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Literature Review of Mothers Diagnosed With COVID-19 and the Impact on Breastfeeding Their Newborns. Nurs Womens Health 2022; 26:234-241. [PMID: 35551888 PMCID: PMC9611848 DOI: 10.1016/j.nwh.2022.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
In early 2020, newborns were separated from their mothers who were diagnosed with COVID-19 infection. The purpose of this literature review is to examine the current evidence to determine if the transmission of COVID-19 infection to the neonate increases if newborns are directly breastfed by mothers who are positive for COVID-19 infection. There were 28 studies conducted in seven countries, with 10 of those studies conducted in the United States. In total, 5,123 neonates were born to mothers diagnosed with COVID-19, with 3,872 neonates determined to have been breastfed or provided mixed feeding including breast milk. Overall, 2.35% (91/3,872) of the newborns tested positive, and all recovered from COVID-19 infection. As frontline health care providers, nurses are instrumental in offering support and education on the risks and benefits of breastfeeding for individuals diagnosed with COVID-19.
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Turner S, McGann B, Brockway M’M. A review of the disruption of breastfeeding supports in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in five Western countries and applications for clinical practice. Int Breastfeed J 2022; 17:38. [PMID: 35570307 PMCID: PMC9107585 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-022-00478-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered how breastfeeding support is provided, resulting in mixed breastfeeding outcomes and experiences for mothers. The World Health Organization has consistently supported breastfeeding from the beginning of the pandemic. However, recommendations from obstetrical and gynaecological societies within individual countries have varied in their alignment with this guidance, resulting in inconsistent recommendations. It is unknown how breastfeeding guidelines, maternal breastfeeding experiences, and breastfeeding initiation and duration compared across five Western countries. The current study is comprised of two parts, each with a different objective. Part One objective: to review pandemic-related changes in professional society guidelines on breastfeeding support in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States; and Part Two objective: to conduct a narrative review to summarize the evidence of how the pandemic has changed breastfeeding initiation, duration, and mothers’ breastfeeding experiences during the pandemic in these five countries and provide recommendations for clinical lactation support. Methods We searched for indicators that are impactful on breastfeeding outcomes: skin-to-skin contact, rooming in, direct breastfeeding and breast washing, in the five countries mentioned above and compared these to the recommendations from the World Health Organization. Next, we conducted a narrative review of the literature from these five countries to explore how the pandemic altered breastfeeding outcomes and used this information to provide suggestions for clinical practice moving forward. Results Recommendations on the four practices above differed by country and were not always in alignment with the World Health Organization recommendations. Mother-infant separation after birth in the United States was associated with a lower prevalence of breastfeeding initiation and duration. While some mothers reported positive breastfeeding experiences during the pandemic, many mothers indicated negative experiences related to decreased social and professional support. Conclusions The pandemic can inform practice recommendations and can be viewed as an opportunity to permanently modify existing methods to support breastfeeding families. The use of virtual care increased during the pandemic and should continue with specific considerations for prioritizing in-person care. This will help to provide more timely and accessible support for breastfeeding mothers.
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Buek KW, O'Neil M, Mandell DJ. Opportunities and challenges for family-centered postpartum care during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study of nurse perspectives. BMC Nurs 2022; 21:99. [PMID: 35473562 PMCID: PMC9042661 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-022-00875-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The global COVID-19 pandemic has forced the health care sector to make wide-ranging changes to protect patients as well as providers from the risk of infection. Many of these changes are likely to have greatest impact in contexts of care that employ family-centered care (FCC) models, including perinatal and maternity care. Research conducted in perinatal care settings during the pandemic has shown that some of these restrictions have negatively impacted patient and family experiences and outcomes, while others have been perceived as beneficial. The present qualitative study aimed to understand what changes have occurred in postpartum nursing practice during the pandemic, and how these changes have affected nurses, women and families during their stay in the hospital following a new birth. Methods Structured interviews were completed with 20 postpartum nurses from five hospitals across Texas. The interview protocol was designed to elicit information about changes to hospital policies in postpartum units during the pandemic, nurses’ attitudes about these changes, perceived benefits and challenges for performance of their duties, and perceived effects on patients and their families. Nurses were recruited for the study using a purposive sampling approach. Interviews were conducted by video conference using Zoom and lasted approximately 30 to 45 min. Data were analyzed using a qualitative descriptive approach. Results Participants reported that their hospitals placed restrictions on the number and mobility of support persons allowed to stay with the mother in the unit and prohibited all other visitation. Some challenges of these policies included reduced opportunities for hands-on learning and an increased number of patients opting for early discharge. Perceived benefits for patient education and outcomes included improved frequency and effectiveness of nurse-family communication, increased father involvement, and greater opportunities for maternal rest, breastfeeding, skin-to-skin care and family bonding. Conclusions Study findings suggest that some limitations on postpartum hospital visitation may achieve important, family-centered goals. Protected time for family-bonding, maternal rest, breastfeeding, father involvement and individualized education are critical to quality FCC. Research must examine which visitation policies maximize these benefits while preserving patient access to family and social support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine W Buek
- Population Health, Office of Health Affairs, University of Texas System, University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, 210 W. 7th St, Austin, TX, 78701, USA.
| | - Molly O'Neil
- Population Health, Office of Health Affairs, University of Texas System, University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, 210 W. 7th St, Austin, TX, 78701, USA
| | - Dorothy J Mandell
- Population Health, Office of Health Affairs, University of Texas System, University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, 210 W. 7th St, Austin, TX, 78701, USA
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Mohd Shukri NH, Mohd Sobri N, Mohd Shukri SR. The COVID-19 Infodemic Through Facebook: Comparison of Content and the Accuracy of Breastfeeding Information. Cureus 2022; 14:e23734. [PMID: 35509756 PMCID: PMC9057389 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.23734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in a significant increase in the number of people seeking online support and information, particularly on social media. Nevertheless, the nature and trend of internet information, as well as its accuracy, are questionable. This study aimed to assess and compare the content, type/form, and degree of accuracy of breastfeeding information on Facebook before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (n = 288/phase). Methodology The data were gathered from Malaysian public and group/page Facebook posts (n = 456). Keyword searches were conducted using Malay and English breastfeeding terms. The dataset was screened and entered into a structured codebook. The Delphi approach was used to assess the accuracy of posts’ content performed by breastfeeding experts. Results Sharing personal experience (53.2%) was the most common topic in breastfeeding-related posts, followed by seeking questions (39.3%) and knowledge (8.0%). Sharing personal stories and knowledge posts were higher during COVID-19 than before (p = 0.001), although the seeking questions category was higher before the pandemic (p = 0.001). Most information posted was in text form (94.5%). About half of the posts (46.5%) were misleading, while (43.7%) were accurate. There was a significant difference in the accuracy of online posts before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (p = 0.001). Conclusions Compared to the pre-pandemic phase, forms/types of information on Facebook remained consistent, whereas the breastfeeding information content and its degree of accuracy differed during the pandemic.We need to explore other aspects of breastfeeding online content as well as its engagement, especially during a pandemic. Knowing the infant feeding-related topics that have been discussed and questioned on social media, as well as the accuracy of the data, allows policymakers and scientific communities to plan strategies for spreading credible breastfeeding information online. This includes creating interactive online media types of visual guidelines, web resources, and breastfeeding apps.
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Plotkin MK, Williams KM, Mbinda A, Oficiano VN, Nyauchi B, Walugembe P, Keyes E, Rawlins B, McCarraher D, Chabikuli ON. Keeping essential reproductive, maternal and child health services available during COVID-19 in Kenya, Mozambique, Uganda and Zimbabwe: analysis of early-pandemic policy guidelines. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:577. [PMID: 35321675 PMCID: PMC8942058 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12851-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the provision of essential reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health (RMNCH) services in sub-Saharan Africa to varying degrees. Original models estimated as many as 1,157,000 additional child and 56,700 maternal deaths globally due to health service interruptions. To reduce potential impacts to populations related to RMNCH service delivery, national governments in Kenya, Mozambique, Uganda, and Zimbabwe swiftly issued policy guidelines related to essential RMNCH services during COVID-19. The World Health Organization (WHO) issued recommendations to guide countries in preserving essential health services by June of 2020. Methods We reviewed and extracted content related to family planning (FP), antenatal care (ANC), intrapartum and postpartum care and immunization in national policies from Kenya, Uganda, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe from March 2020 to February 2021, related to continuation of essential RMNCH services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a standardized tool, two to three analysts independently extracted content, and in-country experts reviewed outputs to verify observations. Findings were entered into NVivo software and categorized using pre-defined themes and codes. The content of each national policy guideline was compared to WHO guidance related to RMNCH essential services during COVID-19. Results All four country policy guidelines considered ANC, intrapartum care, FP, and immunization to be essential services and issued policy guidance for continuation of these services. Guidelines were issued in April 2020 by Mozambique, Kenya, and Uganda, and in June 2020 by Zimbabwe. Many elements of WHO’s 2020 recommendations were included in country policies, with some notable exceptions. Each policy guideline was more detailed in some aspects than others — for example, Kenya’s guidelines were particularly detailed regarding FP service provision, while Uganda’s guidelines were explicit about immediate breastfeeding. All policy guidance documents contained a balance of measures to preserve essential RMNCH services while reducing COVID-19 transmission risk within these services. Conclusions The national policy guidelines to preserve essential RMNCH services in these four countries reflected WHO recommendations, with some notable exceptions for ANC and birth companionship. Ongoing revision of country policy guidelines to adapt to changing pandemic conditions is recommended, as is further analysis of subnational-level policies.
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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.
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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
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Tomori C. Overcoming Barriers to Breastfeeding. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2022; 83:60-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Hoying R, Badreldin N, Shah MD, Bolden JR, Cummings P, Robinson DT. Providing Breastfeeding Support During COVID-19: A Survey of Staff Experiences. J Hum Lact 2022; 38:43-52. [PMID: 34581635 DOI: 10.1177/08903344211047843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic presents unique challenges to maternity settings. Its influence on providing in-hospital lactation support has not been well described. RESEARCH AIM To describe the experiences of healthcare workers as they provided in-hospital lactation support during the pandemic. METHODS A prospective, cross-sectional, online survey evaluated healthcare providers working with postpartum women and newborns affected by COVID-19 at an academic center during March-June 2020. Providers were queried regarding the influence of COVID-19 and COVID-19-specific policies on providing lactation support. Questions assessed guidance received, perceived stress, difficulty providing care, and solicited qualitative responses. The constant comparative method was used to analyze qualitative data. RESULTS Of 108 providers, 70 (65%) completed the survey. Of 57 providing direct lactation support to women affected by COVID-19, most (n = 39, 67%) reported increased stress. Participants reported lower stress scores when receiving guidance through shift meetings or email compared to those not receiving this guidance [stress score with shift meeting guidance (M [SD]): 3.10 (0.88); score without guidance: 3.83 (0.66); n = 39, p = .009; score with email guidance: 3.79 (0.58); score without guidance: 4.50 (0.58); n = 18, p = .045). Qualitative responses (n = 67; 96%) identified three themes: visitor restrictions allowed less distraction during lactation support; physical separation disrupted maternal/infant bonding; workflow challenges resulted from policy changes and supply access. CONCLUSIONS Most participating staff providing lactation support to participants affected by COVID-19 reported increased stress. Ensuring written or verbal guidance may reduce staff's experiences of stress. Efforts to optimize lactation support during COVID-19 should consider reducing distractions, physical separation, and logistic challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Hoying
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nevert Badreldin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Malika D Shah
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Janelle R Bolden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Peter Cummings
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Daniel T Robinson
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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van Goudoever JB, Spatz DL, Hoban R, Dumitriu D, Gyamfi-Bannerman C, Berns M, McKechnie L, Davanzo R. Updating Clinical Practices to Promote and Protect Human Milk and Breastfeeding in a COVID-19 Era. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:867540. [PMID: 35558372 PMCID: PMC9086708 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.867540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted breastfeeding and lactation globally, with clinical practices implemented early in the pandemic being mostly anti-breastfeeding, e.g., separation of mothers from their infants, and not evidence based. As the pandemic has progressed, evidence has emerged reconfirming the value of human milk and the importance of protecting and supporting breastfeeding, especially the initiation of lactation. However, it is clear that COVID-19 has changed the clinical care paradigm around breastfeeding and lactation support and, as such, it is imperative that practices adapt and evolve to maintain the emphasis on lactation support. We participated in a round table conference aiming to rescue and develop protocols and practices that support breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic. One key area to target will be to maximize the use of the antenatal period. The early identification of lactation risk factors together with the development of person-centered methods to deliver breastfeeding information and education to parents-to-be will be critical. In addition, the establishment of a hospital culture that values breastfeeding and prioritizes the use of human milk will be integral for the motivation of health care professionals. That culture will also support active management of the initiation of lactation and the development of a 'back-up plan' toolkit to support the mother experiencing lactation difficulties. Post-discharge support will also be crucial with the development of both in-person and virtual lactation support programs, in particular for the immediate post-discharge period to benefit mothers who experience an early discharge process. These measures will allow for a new, adapted framework of practice that acknowledges the current COVID-19 paradigm and maintains the emphasis on the need to protect and support breastfeeding and the use of human milk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diane L Spatz
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing & Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Rebecca Hoban
- The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dani Dumitriu
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Monika Berns
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Klink für Neonatologie, Berlin, Germany
| | - Liz McKechnie
- Leeds Centre for Newborn Care, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Riccardo Davanzo
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health Institute, IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
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Souza SRRK, Pereira AP, Prandini NR, Resende ACAP, de Freitas EAM, Trigueiro TH, Wall ML. Aleitamento materno em tempos de COVID-19: uma scoping review. Rev Esc Enferm USP 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/1980-220x-reeusp-2021-0556pt] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
RESUMO Objetivo: identificar como a pandemia de COVID-19 tem influenciado as puérperas no aleitamento materno. Método: scoping review, com busca em sete bases de dados. Incluíram-se estudos disponíveis na íntegra, em inglês, português ou espanhol, publicados de dezembro/2019-abril/2021. A análise deu-se por categorização de temas comuns. Resultados: incluíram-se 25 estudos, agrupados em cinco categorias, apresentando a influência da pandemia: na rotina de cuidados ao aleitamento materno, evidenciando medidas preventivas contra COVID-19; nas taxas do aleitamento materno, destacando mudanças nas práticas alimentares; na rede de apoio para o aleitamento materno, apontando falta de assistência de serviços; nas emoções das puérpera, predominando preocupação e estresse; no uso da tecnologia para apoio ao aleitamento materno, com teleatendimento facilitando a assistência. Conclusão: a pandemia de COVID-19 influenciou novas formas de assistência, na oferta e no tempo de amamentação, na saúde emocional e na fragilidade da rede de apoio. Espera-se contribuir para que profissionais da saúde proporcionem assistência com maior assertividade diante dessa nova situação.
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Saunders M, Nellums L. The indirect effects of COVID-19 upon global childhood pneumonia. PUBLIC HEALTH IN PRACTICE 2022; 3:100228. [PMID: 35098181 PMCID: PMC8783528 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2022.100228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The relative scarcity of paediatric COVID-19 disease infers protection from its direct harms. We aim to highlight the potentially severe indirect effects of COVID-19 upon global childhood pneumonia. Study design This is a discussion piece written from the authors’ perspective. Methods We use the social determinants of health to describe the indirect impact of COVID-19 upon global childhood pneumonia. Results The social determinants of health are a range of social, economic, and environmental factors used to explore and explain global health differences and inequalities. Global childhood pneumonia is a significant public health problem with clear linkage to the social determinants of health. COVID-19 is a significant threat to the health and wellbeing of children around the world through its potentially severe effects on all strata of the social determinants of health. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic could undermine years of progress in reducing both global childhood pneumonia incidence and mortality, and most significantly affect vulnerable children living in poverty.
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Sampieri CL, Montero H. [Review of new evidence about the possible vertical transmission of coronavirus disease-2019]. GACETA SANITARIA 2022; 36:166-172. [PMID: 32711871 PMCID: PMC7305917 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaceta.2020.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To conduct a systematic review of original peer-reviewed studies, containing data on the identification of SARS-CoV-2 in clinical samples of amniotic fluid, placenta or membranes, umbilical cord blood, and human milk, from women with a clinically or confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. These studies should have been published after the guide for the management of patients with COVID-19 from World Health Organization guide (available in March 13, 2020). RESULTS Seventeen studies were included, in which 143 clinical samples were identified (38 of amniotic fluid; 34 of placentas or membranes; 39 from umbilical cord blood and 32 from human milk). Among the 143 samples, nine were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA (one amniotic fluid sample obtained before rupturing the membranes; six samples of placenta or membranes, although authors indicate the possibility of contamination by maternal blood in three of these, and two samples of human milk). CONCLUSIONS Following our search criteria, we found no studies that demonstrate the detection of SARS-CoV-2, in conjunction with viral isolation and the evaluation of the infective capacity of viral particles, in clinical samples of amniotic fluid, placenta or membranes, umbilical cord blood and human milk, from women with a confirmed or clinical diagnosis of COVID-19. However, vertical transmission cannot be ruled out, larger studies are required that ideally locate in situ RNA and protein of SARS-CoV-2, as well as isolation that demonstrate the infective capacity of the viral particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Luz Sampieri
- Instituto de Salud Pública, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, México.
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