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Moms were less likely to breastfeed during the pandemic because of a lack of face-to-face help, according to research. Redeployment of maternity workers and lockdown measures disrupted suckling lessons in newborn nurseries.
Women struggled to get professional support as the coronavirus crisis gripped the world, say scientists in a study that was presented at an American Academy of Pediatrics meeting in Anaheim, California.
Lead author Dr. Amy Yeh, a pediatrician at the University of Southern California (USC), explained: "There is a false belief that breastfeeding is a natural instinct that is supposed to happen out of thin air."
"Breastfeeding is a technique that both the mother and baby need to learn. Every mother, baby, and dad is unique. It is picking up on the cues of the baby and figuring out what works for both mother and baby. It becomes easier with time. Remember: mother's milk is gold."
The research team found both exclusive and any breastfeeding fell by 11 and 4 percent, respectively, in comparison to before.
An analysis of rates at LAC (Los Angeles County) and USC Medical Center from January 2019 to April 2021 identified decreases across all demographic groups.
Hospital staffing and access to breastfeeding training and other healthcare due to restrictions were potential causes.
It follows a Swansea University study that showed almost a third of moms in the U.K. gave up before they wanted during the lockdown.
"Although a task force was implemented in our newborn nursery immediately after this study to return breastfeeding rates back to normal for our communities, many mothers and newborns missed the opportunity to benefit from the effects of breastfeeding during the pandemic," Dr. Yeh said.
It boosts infants' development and reduces their risk of allergies and infections. Mothers' milk has also been linked to improvements in IQ.
Breastfeeding also helps protect women against breast and ovarian cancer, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, Type 2 diabetes, and obesity.
"Although a task force was implemented in our newborn nursery immediately after this study to return breastfeeding rates back to normal for our communities, many mothers and newborns missed the opportunity to benefit from the effects of breastfeeding during the pandemic," Dr. Yeh said.
"It adds to the many health impacts COVID-19 has had on families," she said. The World Health Organization recommends that babies be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life.
Produced in association with SWNS Talker.
This story was provided to Newsweek by Zenger News.
