School of Molecular Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia.
Mathematics and Statistics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia.
Eur J Pediatr. 2022 Oct;181(10):3753-3766. doi: 10.1007/s00431-022-04580-y. Epub 2022 Aug 17.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted new mothers' wellbeing and breastfeeding experience. Women have experienced changes in birth and postnatal care and restricted access to their support network. It is unclear how these impacts may have changed over time with shifting rates of infection and policies restricting movement and access to services in Australia and New Zealand. This study investigated the longitudinal effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on breastfeeding and maternal wellbeing in Australia and New Zealand. Mothers (n = 246) completed an online survey every 4 weeks for 6 months that examined feeding methods, maternal mental wellbeing, worries, challenges, and positive experiences during the pandemic. Mothers maintained high full breastfeeding rates at 4 months (81%) which decreased to 37% at 6 months. Perceived low milk supply contributed to the earlier cessation of full breastfeeding. Poor infant sleep was associated with stress, perinatal anxiety, mental wellbeing, and breastfeeding status. Although mothers initially reported that lockdowns helped with family bonding and less pressure, prolonged lockdowns appeared to have adverse effects on access to social networks and extended family support. Conclusion: The results highlight the changing dynamic of the pandemic and the need for adaptable perinatal services which allow mothers access to in-person services and their support network even in lockdowns. Similarly, access to continuous education and clinical care remains critical for women experiencing concerns about their milk supply, infant sleep, and their own wellbeing. What is Known: • The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions have significantly affected perinatal mental health, disrupted maternal services, and subsequent breastfeeding. What is New: • In Australia and New Zealand, breastfeeding women experienced challenges to their mental wellbeing, sleep, and breastfeeding, which was likely exacerbated over time by the pandemic. Lockdowns, while initially beneficial for some families, became detrimental to maternal support and wellbeing.
COVID-19 大流行对新妈妈的健康和母乳喂养体验产生了影响。女性经历了分娩和产后护理的变化，以及对支持网络的限制。目前尚不清楚随着澳大利亚和新西兰感染率的变化以及限制行动和服务获取的政策，这些影响会如何随时间发生变化。本研究调查了 COVID-19 大流行对澳大利亚和新西兰母乳喂养和产妇健康的纵向影响。母亲（n=246）每 4 周完成一次在线调查，为期 6 个月，调查期间检查了喂养方式、产妇心理健康、担忧、挑战以及大流行期间的积极体验。母亲在 4 个月时保持了较高的纯母乳喂养率（81%），但在 6 个月时降至 37%。感知到低奶量是导致纯母乳喂养更早停止的原因。婴儿睡眠不佳与压力、围产期焦虑、心理健康和母乳喂养状况有关。尽管母亲最初报告封锁有助于家庭团聚和减少压力，但长时间的封锁似乎对获取社交网络和大家庭支持产生了不利影响。 结论：研究结果强调了大流行不断变化的动态，以及需要灵活的围产期服务，使母亲即使在封锁期间也能获得面对面的服务和支持网络。同样，获得持续的教育和临床护理对于那些对自己的奶量、婴儿睡眠和自身健康有担忧的女性仍然至关重要。 已知：• COVID-19 大流行和封锁限制对围产期心理健康产生了重大影响，打乱了产妇服务，并随后影响了母乳喂养。 新发现：• 在澳大利亚和新西兰，母乳喂养的女性经历了心理健康、睡眠和母乳喂养方面的挑战，这些挑战随着时间的推移可能因大流行而加剧。封锁虽然最初对一些家庭有益，但对母亲的支持和健康产生了不利影响。
