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Leong M, Obaid M, Fernandez Ramos MC, Eichenberger R, John A, Krumholtz-Belkin P, Roeder T, Parvez B. Skilled lactation support using telemedicine in the neonatal intensive care unit. J Perinatol 2024; 44:687-693. [PMID: 38341485 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-024-01894-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND NICU mothers face unique challenges in initiating and sustaining breastfeeding, but previous studies have focused on outpatient breastfeeding support. We conducted a retrospective study of NICU breastfeeding outcomes before and after implementing telelactation. METHODS Pre-Telemedicine mothers received in-person support by NICU lactation consultants, while Telemedicine mothers received solely telemedicine consults after maternal discharge. RESULTS Exclusive breastmilk feeding at discharge increased in the Telemedicine group. Notably, babies in the Telemedicine cohort who were fed any formula on admission experienced significant improvement in exclusive breastmilk feeding at discharge, and those whose mothers received at least one NICU lactation consult had the greatest improvement in exclusive breastfeeding rates at discharge. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to validate the use of telemedicine as a means of maintaining access to skilled lactation support in the NICU when in-person consults are not feasible. Incorporating telemedicine can ensure access and continuity of skilled lactation support, and sustain breastfeeding rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Leong
- Division of Neonatology, Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, Valhalla, New York, USA.
- Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA.
| | - Maria Obaid
- Division of Neonatology, Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, Valhalla, New York, USA
- Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | - Maria Cristina Fernandez Ramos
- Division of Neonatology, Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, Valhalla, New York, USA
- Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | | | - Annamma John
- Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | | | - Tina Roeder
- Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | - Boriana Parvez
- Division of Neonatology, Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, Valhalla, New York, USA
- Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA
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Antoniou E, Tzitiridou-Chatzopoulou M, Voyatzaki C, Iliadou M, Eskitzis P, Dagla M, Palaska E, Orovou E. What Are the Implications of COVID-19 on Breastfeeding? A Synthesis of Qualitative Evidence Studies. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1178. [PMID: 37508675 PMCID: PMC10378339 DOI: 10.3390/children10071178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exclusive breastfeeding until six months of life is the ideal way to feed infants. However, there is a significant number of infants who have never breastfed, despite the beneficial properties of breastfeeding. On the other hand, the coronavirus outbreak had significant effects on people's health, both mentally and physically, and has also impacted the breastfeeding process. AIM The aim of this study was to investigate the implication of COVID-19 on breastfeeding through qualitative data from databases. METHODS We searched online databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, PsycINFO) for studies published from 2019 to 2023. 'Out of the 2598 papers we found, only 12 were included in the review'. More specifically, from the 1558 papers remaining from the title and abstract evaluation as well as duplicates, a further 1546 papers belonging to our exclusion criteria were removed (all types of reviews, letters to editors, and quantitative articles). RESULTS Our results covered three subjects: breastfeeding support during the pandemic, effects of social containment measures on breastfeeding, and additional outcomes regarding breastfeeding. Most voices found the effects of the pandemic on breastfeeding beneficial, with reduced professional support and a high degree of support from the environment. Additional negative factors were observed, as well as consequences of the pandemic in women's lives. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 was the occasion to understand the power of the supportive environment of the woman, especially the partner, in establishing and maintaining breastfeeding. Therefore, policy makers and health professionals, especially midwives, should implement family-centered breastfeeding strategies that are more supportive of the partner role, providing problem counseling when and where deemed necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelia Antoniou
- Department of Midwifery, Egaleo Park Campus, University of West Attica, Ag. Spyridonos Str., 12243 Egaleo, Greece
| | | | - Chrysa Voyatzaki
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Egaleo Park Campus, University of West Attica, Ag. Spyridonos Str., 12243 Egaleo, Greece
| | - Maria Iliadou
- Department of Midwifery, Egaleo Park Campus, University of West Attica, Ag. Spyridonos Str., 12243 Egaleo, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Eskitzis
- Department of Midwifery, University of Western Macedonia, 50200 Ptolemaida, Greece
| | - Maria Dagla
- Department of Midwifery, Egaleo Park Campus, University of West Attica, Ag. Spyridonos Str., 12243 Egaleo, Greece
| | - Ermioni Palaska
- Department of Midwifery, Egaleo Park Campus, University of West Attica, Ag. Spyridonos Str., 12243 Egaleo, Greece
| | - Eirini Orovou
- Department of Midwifery, Egaleo Park Campus, University of West Attica, Ag. Spyridonos Str., 12243 Egaleo, Greece
- Department of Midwifery, University of Western Macedonia, 50200 Ptolemaida, Greece
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Sothornwit J, Kaewrudee S, Somboonporn W, Seanbon O, Ngamjarus C. Implementing the individualized postpartum care with telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic at tertiary hospital in Thailand. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16242. [PMID: 37229160 PMCID: PMC10182597 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16242] [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: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study sought to identify the impact of implementing the new postpartum care (individualized rescheduling postpartum visit) with telemedicine on postpartum services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Study design This is a retrospective cohort study conducted at Srinagarind Hospital, a tertiary hospital in northeast Thailand, to compare patient data before and after implementation. Delivery and postpartum data from May 2019 to December 2020 were retrieved from the hospital database. Intervention was implemented in March 2020. Data were analyzed to evaluate postpartum contact, contraceptive use, and breastfeeding using Wilcoxon rank sum and Chi-squared tests. Results There was a significant increase in postpartum contact from 48.0% (95% CI. 45.8 to 50.3) before the implementation of telemedicine to 64.6% (95% CI. 61.9 25 to 67.2) after (adjusted OR 1.5, 95% CI. 1.2 to 1.8). In the post-intervention group, contraception use also increased significantly (84.7% vs 49.7%; p < 0.001), and a higher proportion of women relied on long-acting reversible contraception (16.6% vs 5.7%; p < 0.001). However, patients in the post-intervention group were less likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding (46.6% vs 75.1%; p < 0.001). Conclusion Rescheduling the timing of a comprehensive visit accompanied by telemedicine support improved postpartum contact and contraceptive utilization, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. However, the observed decrease in exclusive breastfeeding highlights the need for better telehealth support.ImplicationOur findings support that individualized postpartum care with telemedicine is a feasible and useful approach to sustain services during a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jen Sothornwit
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Srinaree Kaewrudee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Woraluck Somboonporn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Orathai Seanbon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Chetta Ngamjarus
- Department of Biostatistics and Demography, Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
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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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DeYoreo M, Kapinos K, Lawrence R, Alvarado G, Waymouth M, Demirci JR, Uscher-Pines L. Changes in Breastfeeding and Lactation Support Experiences During COVID. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2023; 32:150-160. [PMID: 36576992 PMCID: PMC9940799 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2022.0146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: We surveyed parents who gave birth from 2019 to 2021 to examine changes in breastfeeding experiences and professional and lay breastfeeding support services due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We also examined racial and ethnic disparities in breastfeeding support. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional opt-in survey of 1,617 parents was administered on Ovia's parenting app in January 2022. Respondents were 18-45 years of age and delivered in one of three birth cohorts: August-December 2019, March-May 2020, or June-August 2021. We fit linear and logistic regression models wherein the outcomes were six breastfeeding support and experience measures, adjusting for birth cohort and respondent demographics. Results: Parents who gave birth in the early pandemic versus those in the prepandemic had reduced odds of interacting with lactation consultants (odds ratio [OR]: 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.44-0.90), attending breastfeeding classes (OR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.54-0.94), meeting breastfeeding goals (OR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.46-0.92), and reporting it was easy to get breastfeeding help (estimate: -0.36; 95% CI: -0.55 to -0.17). Birth cohort was not associated with use of donor milk or receipt of in-hospital help. The later pandemic cohort differed from the prepandemic cohort for one outcome: they were less likely to meet their breastfeeding goals (OR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.48-0.95). There were racial and ethnic disparities in the use of multiple types of breastfeeding support. Although one-third of respondents felt that the pandemic facilitated breastfeeding because of more time at home, 18% felt the pandemic posed additional challenges including disruptions to lactation support. Conclusions: Parents who gave birth in the later pandemic did not report significant disruptions to professional breastfeeding support, likely as a result of the growth of virtual services. However, disparities in receipt of support require policy attention and action.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kandice Kapinos
- RAND Corporation, Arlington, Virginia, USA.,Department of Population and Data Sciences, UTSW, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Lori Uscher-Pines
- RAND Corporation, Arlington, Virginia, USA.,Address correspondence to: Lori Uscher-Pines, PhD, RAND Corporation, 1200 S Hayes Street, Arlington, VA 22202, USA
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Huang YY, Liu Q, Li JY, Yue SW, Xue B, Redding SR, Zhou WB, Ouyang YQ. Breastfeeding Practices of Women Returning to Full-Time Employment in China: Prevalence and Determinants. Workplace Health Saf 2023; 71:68-77. [PMID: 36514253 DOI: 10.1177/21650799221126371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Returning to work after childbirth is a common reason for women to stop breastfeeding. This study aimed to assess breastfeeding practices and breastfeeding support available to employed women in China, and factors affecting breastfeeding duration. METHODS A cross-sectional survey of 1,243 breastfeeding women employed full-time was conducted. Participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Workplace Breastfeeding Support Scale (WBSS). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the factors that are associated with breastfeeding. RESULTS The mean exclusive breastfeeding duration and any breastfeeding duration of full-time employed women were 5.7 ± 0.5 months and 9.8 ± 1.5 months, respectively. The total WBSS score was 46.6 ± 5.3 (M ± SD). Generally, women perceived coworkers (M [SD] = 4.8 [1.0]) and supervisors (M [SD] = 5.7 [1.2]) to be supportive of breastfeeding. Lower scores on the WBSS were related to lack of technical and facility support, indicating no access to a refrigerator to store breast milk (M [SD] = 2.0 [1.5]) or to a breast pump (M [SD] = 1.7 [1.7]). Similarly, a private area for expressing breast milk (M [SD] = 1.4 [1.0]) was unavailable. Maternity leave, residential province, ethnicity, education level, average monthly household income, main reason for stopping exclusive breastfeeding, commute time greater than 1 hour, and the total WBSS score were also factors influencing breastfeeding duration of the full-time employed women. CONCLUSIONS There were gaps in breastfeeding practices and workplace breastfeeding support of Chinese full-time employed women when compared with the World Health Organization recommendations. Occupational health providers should consider these findings when developing programs to support breastfeeding in the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qian Liu
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University
| | | | | | - Bing Xue
- School of Nursing, Wuhan University
| | | | - Wen-Bin Zhou
- Department of Psychology, Hubei Provincial Corps Hospital, Chinese People Armed Police Forces
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Colaceci S, Anderson G, Ricciuto V, Montinaro D, Alazraki G, Mena-Tudela D. Experiences of Birth during COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy and Spain: A Thematic Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127488. [PMID: 35742741 PMCID: PMC9223415 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Becoming parents during the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been a challenge. The purpose of this study was to describe the impact of the pandemic on new and expectant parents in both Italy and Spain. A descriptive qualitative study was carried out by collecting social media posts written by parents between March 2020 and April 2021. The posts were inserted in a data collection form and assessed separately by two authors. The coding was performed manually using the long table analysis method and a thematic analysis was performed. Three main themes were identified: (1) care; (2) overcoming difficulties and problem-solving strategies; and (3) legislation and anti-COVID-19 measures. The main issues for parents were the limited access of partners to antenatal care services and mother–newborn separation. Due to restrictive measures, many parents adopted different coping skills. Some hospitals were able to maintain high standards of care; however, a lot of discretion in legislation and the application of anti-COVID-19 measures in healthcare services was perceived by parents. The COVID-19 pandemic has heavily affected the way parents experienced pregnancy and birth. Becoming parents during the pandemic has exacerbated some fears that usually characterize this event, but it has also triggered new ones, especially in the first months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Colaceci
- Department Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Saint Camillus International University (UniCamillus), Via di Sant’Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-400640
| | - Gloria Anderson
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Veronica Ricciuto
- Department Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Saint Camillus International University (UniCamillus), Via di Sant’Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy;
| | - Denise Montinaro
- Associazione Rinascere al Naturale, Via Umberto I, n. 42, 73021 Calimera, Italy;
| | | | - Desirée Mena-Tudela
- Department of Nursing, Universitat Jaume I, Avenida de Vicent Sos Baynat, s/n, 12071 Castellón de la Plana, Spain;
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