Wellbeing of breastfeeding women in Australia and New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

V.S. Sakalidis; A. Rea; S.L. Perrella; J. McEachran; G. Collis; J. Miraudo; S.A. Prosser; L.Y. Gibson; D. Silva; D.T. Geddes

doi:10.3390/nu13061831

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Wellbeing of breastfeeding women in Australia and New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Wellbeing of breastfeeding women in Australia and New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

V.S. Sakalidis, A. Rea, S.L. Perrella, J. McEachran, G. Collis, J. Miraudo, S.A. Prosser, L.Y. Gibson, D. Silva and D.T. Geddes

Nutrients, Vol.13(6), Article 1831

2021

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13061831

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Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, breastfeeding women have experienced restricted access to support, placing them at increased risk of mental health concerns and limited breastfeeding assistance. This study investigated the effect of the pandemic on feeding choices and maternal wellbeing amongst breastfeeding mothers living in Australian and New Zealand. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey that examined feeding methods, maternal mental wellbeing, worries, challenges, and positive experiences during the pandemic. Most women were exclusively breastfeeding (82%). Partial breastfeeding was associated with perceived low milk supply and longer pregnancy duration during the pandemic. Reduced mental health and wellbeing was associated with lower levels of family functioning, increased perceived stress, and perinatal anxiety. Longer pregnancy duration during the pandemic was associated with lower mental health wellbeing scores, while higher perceived stress scores were reported for regions with higher COVID-19 infection rates and women with perceived low milk supply. Women reported that the pandemic resulted in less pressure and more time for family bonding, while worries about the pandemic, family health, and parenting challenges were also cited. Mental health concerns of breastfeeding women appear to be exacerbated by COVID-19, highlighting a critical need for access to mental health and broader family support during the pandemic.

Details

Title: Wellbeing of breastfeeding women in Australia and New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study
Authors/Creators: V.S. Sakalidis (Author/Creator) - Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute
A. Rea (Author/Creator) - Murdoch University
S.L. Perrella (Author/Creator) - The University of Western Australia
J. McEachran (Author/Creator) - The University of Western Australia
G. Collis (Author/Creator) - One For Women, Mt Lawley, WA 6050, Australia.
J. Miraudo (Author/Creator) - One For Women, Mt Lawley, WA 6050, Australia.
S.A. Prosser (Author/Creator) - The University of Western Australia
L.Y. Gibson (Author/Creator) - The Kids Research Institute Australia
D. Silva (Author/Creator) - The Kids Research Institute Australia
D.T. Geddes (Author/Creator) - The University of Western Australia
Publication Details: Nutrients, Vol.13(6), Article 1831
Publisher: MDPI
Identifiers: 991005543393307891
Murdoch Affiliation: School of Mathematics, Statistics, Chemistry and Physics
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Citation topics: 1 Clinical & Life Sciences; 1.72 Obstetrics & Gynecology; 1.72.891 Breastfeeding
Web Of Science research areas: Nutrition & Dietetics
ESI research areas: Agricultural Sciences