Study of anxiety, fear and depression associated with breastfeeding in covid-positive mothers

ABSTRACT

Aim and objective: To study anxiety, fear and depression associated with breastfeeding in coronavirus disease (COVID)-positive mothers. Materials and methods: The following three standard scales were used to measure fear anxiety, and depression namely fear of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) scale (FCV-19S), corona disease anxiety scale (CDAS), and Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) among postpartum women along with a self-made breastfeeding questionnaire by the author to assess the association with breastfeeding. Results: Among the total of 62 respondents, a mean of 17 was obtained on the EPDS which is more than the cutoff value. FCV-19S and CDAS did not show extreme results except for few cases. The breastfeeding questionnaire suggested that most women are afraid of transmitting the infection to their newborns and they lack the knowledge about the importance of breast milk in warding off other infections. Also, women found it difficult to take care of their newborns on their own. Conclusion: With this study, we could determine the effects of this pandemic on anxiety levels, depression, and fear of COVID infection in postpartum women. In the current scenario with the possibility of the next pandemic wave in India, there is an urgent need to provide emotional and psychosocial support to this group of the population during the crisis. Otherwise, the adverse outcome is possible involving both mother and newborn. Clinical significance: The COVID-19 outbreak that began in China has turned into a pandemic that affects global health, thereby prompting the concentration of studies and clinical routines on treating and preventing the disease with measures like vaccination. Still, the clinical data regarding psychological manifestations of the ongoing pandemic among the general public, especially postpartum women and breastfeeding mothers, are inadequate. In this study, we analyzed experiences of breastfeeding mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically concerning how COVID-positive status affected their infant’s feeding decisions. It clearly showed that being COVID positive created, affected, and exacerbated mental health issues for mothers.