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Impact of COVID-19 on Breastfeeding among SARS-CoV-2 Infected Pregnant Women: A Single Centre Survey Study

Author

Listed:
  • 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)

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%, χ 2 = 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%, χ 2 = 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%, χ 2 = 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.

Suggested Citation

  • Angelo Sirico & Roberta Musto & Sonia Migliorini & Serena Brigidi & Federica Anzelmo Sciarra & Annunziata Carlea & Gabriele Saccone & Maurizio Guida & Laura Sarno, 2022. "Impact of COVID-19 on Breastfeeding among SARS-CoV-2 Infected Pregnant Women: A Single Centre Survey Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2022:i:1:p:228-:d:1013027
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Michael Ceulemans & Jan Y. Verbakel & Kristel Van Calsteren & An Eerdekens & Karel Allegaert & Veerle Foulon, 2020. "SARS-CoV-2 Infections and Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Results from an Observational Study in Primary Care in Belgium," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-10, September.
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