Breastfeeding Experiences During the COVID-19 Lockdown in the United Kingdom: An Exploratory Study Into Maternal Opinions and Emotional States

Abstract

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has hugely impacted upon people’s psychological and physical wellbeing; however, the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on mothers of young children, with particular regard to breastfeeding, are unknown. Research Aims To explore: (1) Sources of advice and support available to breastfeeding mothers during and prior to the COVID-19 lockdown; (2) Mothers’ opinions on statements and recommendations made by the World Health Organization on the importance of breastfeeding and breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic; (3) Maternal emotional states (i.e., anxiety and depression symptoms) experienced by breastfeeding mothers during the COVID-19 lockdown; and (4) influence of breastfeeding duration and number of children on breastfeeding opinions and emotional states. Methods Mothers of children aged 0–36 months ( N = 4018) took part in an online survey. The survey included demographic questions, as well as the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire and the Patient Health Questionnaire. Mothers were further probed on opinions regarding breastfeeding practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results Participants strongly agreed with the importance of breastfeeding, even if a mother showed symptoms of COVID-19. Differences in opinions on breastfeeding practices (e.g., the use of donor human milk and relactation), were found between participants in relation to breastfeeding duration and number of children. Participants with more than one child showed higher negative emotional states, namely anxiety symptoms. Except for Internet usage, participants indicated a decline in all sources of advice and support for breastfeeding during the COVID-19 lockdown. Conclusions Health bodies and professionals should consider maternal viewpoints and opinions regarding breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interventions are urgently needed in order to support breastfeeding mothers and prevent the development of mental health issues.

The Effect of Knowledge Levels of Breastfeeding Mothers About the Disease on Their Levels of Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic Process

“…It was determined that the level of knowledge about breast milk, the level of knowledge about COVID-19 disease and sociodemographic characteristics were not effective on the breastfeeding behavior. In Costantini's study from United Kingdom which is very similar to ours, emotional states of breastfeeding mothers were evaluated during COVID-19 pandemic via Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire and found that mothers with more than one child showed higher negative emotional states, especially anxiety symptoms ( 16 ). We used state and trait anxiety questionnaire and aimed to understand whether state anxiety status is associated with pandemic.…”

“…However, this recommendation does not seem to be used practically in our study. Findings in Costantini's and our studies show that the age of the breastfed child and having more than one child increase the anxiety in mothers, especially during the pandemic period ( 16 ). 1 , 2…”

Postnatal women’s breastfeeding beliefs, practices, and support during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional comparative study across five countries

“…A study carried out in April 2020 during a UK lockdown period identified that infant feeding was influenced by the mother’s negative emotions and anxiety when they had more than one child to take care of [ 35 ]. Around 27% of women faced barriers to continuing with breastfeeding due to the pandemic lockdown [ 36 ]. Another study in the UK, from May 27 to June 2020, showed that 59% of women who delivered during lockdown exclusively breastfed / mixed-fed their infants compared to 39% who delivered before the COVID-19 pandemic [ 37 ].…”

“…The COVID-19 pandemic interfered with women obtaining postnatal in-person follow-up care and in-person breastfeeding support [ 54 ]. A study that compared the postnatal experiences of women who delivered before and during lockdown in the UK identified a decrease in feeding support from 57% to 40% [ 36 ]. Despite the pandemic situation, our study revealed that more than 50% of women received professional support (67% in the pooled sample), ranging from 86% in Thailand to 47% in South Korea.…”

“…Despite the pandemic situation, our study revealed that more than 50% of women received professional support (67% in the pooled sample), ranging from 86% in Thailand to 47% in South Korea. The UK exhibited 57%, a similar rate before lockdown [ 36 ]. Meanwhile, a high number of women in South Korea and the UK reported receiving no support.…”