Breastfeeding in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: A discussion paper

Abstract

Breastfeeding offers one of the most fundamental global health benefits for babies. Breastmilk is lifesaving, providing not only nutrition but immunologic benefits and as such is strongly supported by the World Health Organization and leading healthcare associations worldwide. When the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020, the impact of the restrictions to prevent the spread of the disease created challenges and questions about provision of safe, quality care, including breastfeeding practices, in a new ‘normal’ environment. Mothers were temporarily separated from their babies where infection was present or suspected, parents were prevented from being present on neonatal units and vital breastfeeding support was prevented. This discussion paper provides an overview of essential areas of knowledge related to practice for neonatal nurses and midwives who care for breastfeeding mothers and babies, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the latest global guidance. Three areas will be discussed; the protective benefits of breastfeeding, keeping breastfeeding mothers and babies together and supporting mothers to breastfeed their babies. Finally, care recommendations are presented to serve as a summary of key points for application to practice for neonatal nurses and midwives.

Exclusive Breastfeeding and Vitamin D Supplementation: A Positive Synergistic Effect on Prevention of Childhood Infections?

“…Therefore, separation of newborns from their mothers is not recommended since do not seem to be at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Conversely, keeping mothers and babies together is essential to promote breastfeeding [ 95 ]. A systematic review analyzed COVID-19 impact on breastfeeding, encouraging direct breastfeeding with appropriate protective measures.…”

Breastfeeding in the context of Covid19: Benefits for mothers

“…Through breastfeeding, passive immunity of the newborn is achieved, i.e., the direct transfer of antibodies to the non-immune newborn [10 ,16,18]. This protection lasts long enough for the baby's immune system to mature and develop antibodies against infection [16]. According to Walker Karen et al [16}, antibodies have been detected in human breast milk after maternal vaccination with Pfizer-bioNTech COVID-19 vaccine [16].…”

Editorial

“…In particular, the developing relationship between the infant and parent relies on the exchange of facial cues and expressions and masking interferes with this social exchange. When infants are unable to see the face of their carer, they may become anxious and unsure of their environment (Walker et al 2021).…”