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Lubis PN, Saputra M, Rabbani MW. A systematic review of the benefits of breastfeeding against postpartum depression in low-middle-income countries. J Ment Health 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38869015 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2024.2361232] [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: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The positive impact of breastfeeding against postpartum depression has been increasingly reported. However, no studies have systematically and critically examined current evidence on breastfeeding practices' influences on postpartum depression in LMICs. AIM To review the influence of breastfeeding on postpartum depression in LMICs. METHODS We searched original research in English published over the last ten years (2012 - 2022) within 8 databases: EBSCOhost, EMBASE, Pubmed, Sage Journals, Science Direct, APA PsycArticles, Taylor & Francis, Google Scholar, and citation tracking. The risk of bias assessment used The Newcastle Ottawa Scale and The Modified Jadad Scale. We followed the PRISMA statement after the protocol had been registered on the PROSPERO. The review included 21 of 11015 articles. RESULTS Of 21 articles, 16 examined breastfeeding practices, 2 each investigated breastfeeding self-efficacy and breastfeeding education, and 1 each assessed breastfeeding attitude and breastfeeding support. 3 randomized control trials and 5 cohorts revealed that breastfeeding decreased the EPDS scores. However, 4 cross-sectional studies indicated that breastfeeding is nonsignificantly associated with postpartum depression. CONCLUSION This review indicated that breastfeeding may alleviate or prevent postpartum depression. Our findings indicated that integrating breastfeeding-related programs and policies into postpartum depression prevention may benefit public health. REGISTRATION PROSPERO (CRD42022315143).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maman Saputra
- Tulodo Organizations and Universitas Terbuka, Indonesia
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Mukherjee J, Burman SK, Sarkar S, Chowdhury RR, Talukder A, Bera G. Evaluation of the effect of COVID-19 infection in pregnancy and puerperium in a suburban medical college in West Bengal, India. J Family Med Prim Care 2024; 13:2404-2409. [PMID: 39027878 PMCID: PMC11254028 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1156_23] [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: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 was a novel situation, there was no conclusive knowledge, particularly concerning its effect on pregnant women and infants. Eminent obstetric organizations have introduced an array of guidelines to assist clinicians in countering this prior unknown outbreak. The primary objective of this study was to summarize the clinical characteristics, complications, and maternal and neonatal outcomes of COVID-19 during pregnancy and puerperium. Methods This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted in the Outpatient/Emergency/Inpatient or COVID ward in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, of a tertiary hospital in Nadia district, West Bengal, India, from 1.7.2020 to 30.6.2021 including 104 pregnant or puerperal mothers with laboratory-confirmed, i.e., RT-PCR or Rapid Antigen Test positive reports after informed consent. The obstetric outcome, modes of delivery, and neonatal status including any complications or SNCU admission within six weeks postpartum were recorded. Results The majority were in the ≥ 20-24 years age group, primigravida, residents of Nadia with no significant travel or contact history. 73.08% were affected in the third trimester and the comorbidities detected were chiefly anemia (15.38%), hypertensive or chronic liver diseases, and hypothyroidism. 45.19% of the mothers were asymptomatic while the other complaints were fever (18.27%), cough (11.55%), anosmia and/or ageusia (10.58%), sore throat (9.61%), respiratory distress, loose stools, and chest pain. The medical complications were predominantly low SpO2, convulsions, pneumonitis, and two maternal deaths. The obstetric complications were preterm birth (26.9%), pre-eclampsia/eclampsia (17.3%), antepartum (3.9%) and postpartum hemorrhage (4.4%), and sepsis (5.8%). Fourteen mothers had first-trimester termination, 63 had vaginal deliveries, and the rest had cesarean section. Out of 90 neonates, most were in the range of ≥ 2-2.5 kg birth weight and normal 1-min APGAR score. None tested positive for COVID-19 RTPCR and no detectable congenital anomaly or neonatal death was recorded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayeeta Mukherjee
- Department of OBGY, College of Medicine and JNM Hospital Wbuhs, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal, India
| | - Sougata Kumar Burman
- Department of OBGY, College of Medicine and JNM Hospital Wbuhs, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal, India
| | - Suvobrata Sarkar
- Department of OBGY, College of Medicine and JNM Hospital Wbuhs, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal, India
| | - Ranita Roy Chowdhury
- Department of OBGY, College of Medicine and JNM Hospital Wbuhs, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal, India
| | - Anirban Talukder
- Department of OBGY, College of Medicine and JNM Hospital Wbuhs, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal, India
| | - Gairik Bera
- Department of OBGY, College of Medicine and JNM Hospital Wbuhs, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal, India
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Grammatikopoulou MG, Vassilakou T. Nutrition in Pediatric Patients and Vulnerable Populations: Updates and Advances. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:430. [PMID: 38671646 PMCID: PMC11049479 DOI: 10.3390/children11040430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Nutrition is a modifiable factor of paramount importance for the prevention and attainment of health and the development of youngsters [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria G. Grammatikopoulou
- Immunonutrition and Clinical Nutrition Unit, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical School, University of Thessaly, Biopolis Campus, GR-43100 Larissa, Greece
| | - Tonia Vassilakou
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, GR-11521 Athens, Greece
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Liu Y, Xu X. Effect of psychological care on the prenatal mental state and vaginal delivery in pregnant women during the early stages of the COVID-19 epidemic. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e36635. [PMID: 38206730 PMCID: PMC10754545 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036635] [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: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the lives of people globally, including pregnant women. We aimed to explore the influence of a psychological care intervention based on behavioral change theory on the prenatal mental state and mode of delivery in pregnant women from June 2020 to June 2022 during the early stage of the COVID-19 epidemic in China. A retrospective analysis was conducted of the records of pregnant women who delivered in our hospital from June 2020 to June 2022. They were assigned to an observation and a control group according to the care that they received. The Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) was used to evaluate their negative emotions. The duration of each labor stage and the mode of delivery (cesarean section, spontaneous vaginal delivery, or assisted vaginal delivery) were recorded. A total of 216 women were included in the analysis. Before care, there were no significant differences in the SCL-90 scores between the 2 groups. After delivery, the SCL-90 scores in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group. The vaginal delivery rate in the observation group was 92.59%, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (70.39%). The duration of the first stage of labor and the total duration of labor in the observation group were 447.95 ± 53.45 minutes and 498.15 ± 35.14 minutes, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the control group. The implementation of psychological care based on behavioral change theory in pregnant women during the early stage of the COVID-19 epidemic significantly improved their prenatal psychological state, promoted vaginal delivery, and help shorten the labor process, and reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. This intervention is thus worth promoting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanxi Fenyang Hospital, Fenyang, Shanxi, China
| | - Xinai Xu
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanxi Fenyang Hospital, Fenyang, Shanxi, China
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Moini A, Heidari F, Eftekhariyazdi M, Pirjani R, Ghaemi M, Eshraghi N, Rabiei M. Breastfeeding success and perceived social support in lactating women with a history of COVID 19 infection: a prospective cohort study. Int Breastfeed J 2023; 18:65. [PMID: 38049908 PMCID: PMC10696741 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-023-00601-0] [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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the limited availability of research on the association between COVID-19 infection and breastfeeding success, the primary objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of this relationship. METHODS This prospective cohort study included 260 women who were on the postnatal ward of an academic hospital affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences during the COVID-19 pandemic (between March and August 2021). Among these women, 130 had tested positive for COVID-19 in pregnancy, while the remaining 130 were considered healthy. The study aimed to assess various factors, including sociodemographic characteristics and the results of four validated questionnaires: The Bristol Breastfeeding Questionnaire, The Multidimensional of Perceived Social Support (MPSS), The Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (BSES), and The Postpartum Partner Support Scale (PPSS). These questionnaires were administered to each participant to gather relevant data. After eight weeks, a telephone follow-up was carried out to assess the success of breastfeeding. The evaluation focused on determining if exclusive breastfeeding was maintained or not. Data was collected by questioning mothers about their infants' feeding habits in the past 24 h. Exclusive breastfeeding refers to the exclusive use of breast milk without the introduction of other liquids or solid foods. RESULTS Women with a previous COVID-19 infection (case group) had a lower mean infant gestational age (P < 0.001) and a higher prevalence of cesarean section (P = 0.001) compared to the control group. The proportion of women who exclusively breastfed was higher in the control group (98.5%) than in women with a history of COVID-19 infection (89.2%) (P = 0.011). Furthermore, the case group reported lower scores in perceived social support and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale, in contrast to the control group. Notably, there was a significant correlation between breastfeeding success and women's breastfeeding self-efficacy score. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study offer valuable insights for healthcare professionals, enabling them to promote early initiation of breastfeeding in mothers with a history of COVID-19 infection, while ensuring necessary precautions are taken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf Moini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Endocrinology and Female Infertility Unit, Arash Women's Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Breast Disease Research Center (BDRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Heidari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Endocrinology and Female Infertility Unit, Arash Women's Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mitra Eftekhariyazdi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Reihaneh Pirjani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Endocrinology and Female Infertility Unit, Arash Women's Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marjan Ghaemi
- Vali-E-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Family Health Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasim Eshraghi
- Vali-E-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Family Health Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Rabiei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Endocrinology and Female Infertility Unit, Arash Women's Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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O’Sullivan EJ, Kennedy A. Parents' experiences of infant and young child feeding during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:2652-2662. [PMID: 37905581 PMCID: PMC10755413 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980023002343] [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: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The WHO has urged member states to develop preparedness plans for infant and young child feeding (IYCF) during emergencies. Ireland has no such plan. We aimed to identify the needs of caregivers in Ireland with regards IYCF during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN Online survey conducted in May-June 2020. SETTING Ireland, during the first period of severely restricted movement due to COVID-19 (lockdown). PARTICIPANTS Respondents (n 745) were primary caregivers of a child under 2 years; they were primarily well educated and likely of higher socio-economic status. RESULTS Among those who breastfed, being unable to access breast-feeding support groups and being unable to access in-person, one-to-one breast-feeding assistance were the biggest challenges reported. Nearly three quarters of those who had their babies during lockdown reported these challenges: 72·8 % and 68·8 %, respectively. For those using formula, the main challenges were structural in nature; approximately two-thirds of those who had their baby prior to lockdown feared there would be formula shortages and a third were unable to purchase formula due to shortages. CONCLUSIONS Regardless of how their babies were fed, parents in Ireland experienced multiple challenges with infant feeding during the COVID-19 crisis. Breast-feeding should be protected, supported and promoted, particularly during an infectious disease pandemic. Additionally, assurances around supply of infant formula could reduce parental stress during a pandemic or emergency. An IYCF in emergencies plan would clearly set out how we could best support and protect the nutrition of the most vulnerable members of our population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J O’Sullivan
- School of Biological, Health and Sports Sciences, City Campus, Technological University Dublin, CQ312 Central Quad, Grangegorman, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aileen Kennedy
- School of Biological, Health and Sports Sciences, City Campus, Technological University Dublin, CQ312 Central Quad, Grangegorman, Dublin, Ireland
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Chilaka VN, Navti O, Opoku A, Okunoye GO, Babarinsa I, Odukoya OA, Bako A, Sulaiman AKP, Mohan M. Managing Labour in Women with COVID-19. J Clin Med 2023; 12:3980. [PMID: 37373674 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12123980] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Since first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, COVID-19 caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Corona virus2 (SARS CoV-2) quickly spread to become a pandemic that has caused significant morbidity and mortality. The rapidity of the spread of the virus and the high mortality at the outset threatened to overwhelm health systems worldwide, and, indeed, this significantly impacted maternal health, especially since there was minimal experience to draw from. Experience with Covid 19 has grown exponentially as the unique needs of pregnant and labouring women with COVID-19 infection have become more evident. Managing COVID-19 parturients requires a multidisciplinary team consisting of anaesthesiologists, obstetricians, neonatologists, nursing staff, critical care staff, infectious disease and infection control experts. There should be a clear policy on triaging patients depending on the severity of their condition and the stage of labour. Those at high risk of respiratory failure should be managed in a tertiary referral centre with facilities for intensive care and assisted respiration. Staff and patients in delivery suites and operating rooms should be protected by enforcing infection protection principles such as offering dedicated rooms and theatres to SARS CoV-2 positive patients and using personal protective equipment. All hospital staff must be trained in infection control measures which should be updated regularly. Breastfeeding and care of the new-born must be part of the healthcare package offered to COVID-19 parturient mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Ngozi Chilaka
- Hamad Medical Corporation Qatar, Doha 3050, Qatar
- Weill Cornell Medicine Doha, Doha P.O. Box 24811, Qatar
| | - Osric Navti
- Hamad Medical Corporation Qatar, Doha 3050, Qatar
- Weill Cornell Medicine Doha, Doha P.O. Box 24811, Qatar
| | - Albert Opoku
- Hamad Medical Corporation Qatar, Doha 3050, Qatar
- Weill Cornell Medicine Doha, Doha P.O. Box 24811, Qatar
| | - Gbemisola O Okunoye
- Weill Cornell Medicine Doha, Doha P.O. Box 24811, Qatar
- Sidra Medicine Qatar, Doha P.O. Box 26999, Qatar
- University of Health & Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Isaac Babarinsa
- Hamad Medical Corporation Qatar, Doha 3050, Qatar
- Qatar University College of Medicine, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
| | | | - Abdulmalik Bako
- Hamad Medical Corporation Qatar, Doha 3050, Qatar
- Weill Cornell Medicine Doha, Doha P.O. Box 24811, Qatar
- Qatar University College of Medicine, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
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Moscucci F, Gallina S, Bucciarelli V, Aimo A, Pelà G, Cadeddu-Dessalvi C, Nodari S, Maffei S, Meloni A, Deidda M, Mercuro G, Pedrinelli R, Penco M, Sciomer S, Mattioli AV. Impact of COVID-19 on the cardiovascular health of women: a review by the Italian Society of Cardiology Working Group on 'gender cardiovascular diseases'. J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) 2023; 24:e15-e23. [PMID: 36729627 PMCID: PMC10100638 DOI: 10.2459/jcm.0000000000001398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), due to coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, presents with an extremely heterogeneous spectrum of symptoms and signs. COVID-19 susceptibility and mortality show a significant sex imbalance, with men being more prone to infection and showing a higher rate of hospitalization and mortality than women. In particular, cardiovascular diseases (preexistent or arising upon infection) play a central role in COVID-19 outcomes, differently in men and women. This review will discuss the potential mechanisms accounting for sex/gender influence in vulnerability to COVID-19. Such variability can be ascribed to both sex-related biological factors and sex-related behavioural traits. Sex differences in cardiovascular disease and COVID-19 involve the endothelial dysfunction, the innate immune system and the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Furthermore, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is involved in disease pathogenesis in cardiovascular disease and COVID-19 and it shows hormone-dependent actions. The incidence of myocardial injury during COVID-19 is sex-dependent, predominantly in association with a greater degree of inflammation and coagulation disorders among men. Its pathogenesis is not fully elucidated, but the main theories foresee a direct role for the ACE2 receptor, the hyperimmune response and the RAS imbalance, which may also lead to isolated presentation of COVID-19-mediated myopericarditis. Moreover, the latest evidence on cardiovascular diseases and their relationship with COVID-19 during pregnancy will be discussed. Finally, authors will analyse the prevalence of the long-covid syndrome between the two sexes and its impact on the quality of life and cardiovascular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Moscucci
- Department of Clinical and Internal Medicine, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Rome ‘Sapienza’, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome
| | - Sabina Gallina
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti
| | - Valentina Bucciarelli
- Department of Paediatric and Congenital Cardiac Surgery and Cardiology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti Ancona ‘Umberto I, G. M. Lancisi, G. Salesi’, Ancona
| | - Alberto Aimo
- Cardiology Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio
- Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa
| | - Giovanna Pelà
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma
- Department of General and Specialistic Medicine, University-Hospital of Parma, Parma
| | | | - Savina Nodari
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia
| | - Silvia Maffei
- Cardiovascular and Gynaecological Endocrinology Unit, Fondazione G Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana
| | - Antonella Meloni
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Pisa
| | - Martino Deidda
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari
| | - Giuseppe Mercuro
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari
| | - Roberto Pedrinelli
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa
| | - Maria Penco
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila
| | - Susanna Sciomer
- Department of Clinical and Internal Medicine, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Rome ‘Sapienza’, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome
| | - Anna Vittoria Mattioli
- Surgical, Medical and Dental Department of Morphological Sciences Related to Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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General Approach to Delivery and Resuscitation of Newborn Infants from Mothers at Risk or Proven COVID-19. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2023; 28:101432. [PMID: 37024369 PMCID: PMC10062715 DOI: 10.1016/j.siny.2023.101432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
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Sirico A, Musto R, Migliorini S, Brigidi S, Anzelmo Sciarra F, Carlea A, Saccone G, Guida M, Sarno L. Impact of COVID-19 on Breastfeeding among SARS-CoV-2 Infected Pregnant Women: A Single Centre Survey Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:228. [PMID: 36612551 PMCID: PMC9819154 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Background: Although current guidelines recommend that mothers with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection should be encouraged to initiate and continue breastfeeding, up-to-date literature shows conflicting data regarding breastfeeding experiences in infected women. This survey aimed to report on the psychological impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on breastfeeding practice and medical counselling in a single tertiary center in Southern Italy. Methods: One-hundred breastfeeding women with SARS-CoV-2 infection at delivery were given an anonymous questionnaire regarding breastfeeding and women’s perception of the impact of COVID-19 on breastfeeding. Results: 75% of women reported they had difficulty breastfeeding; among them, 66 (66%) declared that separation from their babies after delivery affected their ability to breastfeed. Incidence of reported difficulties in breastfeeding was higher in women who underwent caesarean section compared to women with vaginal delivery (56/65, 86.2% vs. 19/35, 54.3%, χ2 = 12.322, p < 0.001) and in women with a hospital stay of more than 5 days (48/57, 84.2% vs. 23/37, 62.2%, χ2 = 5.902, p = 0.015). Furthermore, the incidence of difficulties in breastfeeding was higher in women who subsequently decided to use exclusively infant formula compared to women who mixed maternal milk with infant formula and women who breastfed exclusively with maternal milk (48/49, 98% vs. 20/25, 80% vs. 7/26, 26.9%, χ2 = 46.160, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our survey highlights the importance of healthcare support and information on hygiene practices to decrease the perceived stress related to breastfeeding for infected mothers under restrictions, especially in women undergoing cesarean section and with a long hospital stay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Sirico
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Musto
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Sonia Migliorini
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Serena Brigidi
- Department of Anthropology, Philosophy, and Social Work, University of Rovira i Virgili, 43003 Tarragona, Spain
- Medical Anthropology Research Center, University of Rovira i Virgili, 43003 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Federica Anzelmo Sciarra
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Annunziata Carlea
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriele Saccone
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Maurizio Guida
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Sarno
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
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