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Social Support During COVID-19: Perspectives of Breastfeeding Mothers.
Snyder, Kailey; Worlton, Gwen.
  • Snyder K; School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.
  • Worlton G; University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.
Breastfeed Med ; 16(1): 39-45, 2021 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-998251
ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Effective social support can have a critical influence on a mother's ability to initiate and continue breastfeeding. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has created unprecedented barriers for breastfeeding mothers to obtain various types of support emotional, instrumental, informational, and appraisal. However, no research has evaluated the influence the pandemic has had on breastfeeding supports. The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of social support among breastfeeding mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and

Methods:

A cross-sectional phenomenological approach was taken utilizing semistructured interviews (March-June 2020) with currently breastfeeding mothers (n = 29). Data were analyzed through a process of immersion and crystallization.

Results:

Mothers are still able to obtain each type of support, however, support has been negatively influenced by the pandemic. Mothers reported experiencing increased stress and isolation and had an immense desire to receive in-person support from peers, family, childcare providers, and lactation specialists. Furthermore, mothers of multiple children felt if they did not already have breastfeeding knowledge from previous experiences they would be unsuccessful in breastfeeding due to their current lack of support. Conversely, a majority of mothers felt the pandemic had positively influenced their breastfeeding journeys due to concerns of formula shortages and extended maternity leaves. Finally, mothers were concerned about safely expressing breast milk on their return to work.

Conclusion:

Mother's ability to obtain breastfeeding support has been negatively impacted by the pandemic due to the inability to engage with individuals in-person and the lack of access to childcare. First-time mothers may be at higher risk of early breastfeeding cessation due to lack of support. However, breastfeeding journeys have also been positively influenced by allowing mothers more time at home with their child. Resources are needed to support expressing breast milk in the workplace during COVID-19.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Social Support / Breast Feeding / Workplace / COVID-19 / Mothers Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Adult / Female / Humans / Young adult Country/Region as subject: North America Language: English Journal: Breastfeed Med Journal subject: Nutritional Sciences Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Bfm.2020.0200

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Social Support / Breast Feeding / Workplace / COVID-19 / Mothers Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Adult / Female / Humans / Young adult Country/Region as subject: North America Language: English Journal: Breastfeed Med Journal subject: Nutritional Sciences Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Bfm.2020.0200