A recent study has revealed that 34 percent of mothers felt that stay-at-home orders made it easier to breastfeed at home, fostered better bonding between mothers and their children, and prolonged breastfeeding duration for many women. Nonetheless, the pandemic also created significant challenges, such as limited access to support for breastfeeding and increased stress among mothers.
A Saint Louis University investigation examined the effects of COVID-19 stay-at-home mandates on breastfeeding practices across the U.S.
The study, which was published in the Maternal and Child Health Journal, offers important insights into how the changes brought on by the pandemic influenced breastfeeding behaviors. Thirty-four percent of mothers indicated that the stay-at-home orders made breastfeeding at home easier, enhanced the bond with their children, and allowed for longer breastfeeding periods. However, some of the major challenges included reduced access to lactation support and increased maternal stress levels.
Previous studies on breastfeeding often focused on a predominantly White, non-Hispanic, well-educated, partnered, and employed demographic. In contrast, this current research surveyed a large and varied sample of American mothers, covering different regions, income levels, and racial/ethnic backgrounds.
The paper’s senior author, MarÃa José Romo-Palafox, Ph.D., is an assistant professor specializing in nutrition and dietetics at SLU. She is a registered dietitian who researches maternal and child health issues within historically marginalized groups.
“As a Mexican immigrant, I am committed to tackling the systemic obstacles that disproportionately impact breastfeeding and maternal health. Witnessing the pandemic’s effect on breastfeeding has underscored the urgent need for comprehensive supportive workplace policies,” Romo-Palafox stated. “I am committed to finding solutions that enhance breastfeeding and provide resources for mental health and financial security for mothers, ultimately creating better health outcomes for both mothers and children from diverse backgrounds.”
Breastfeeding is among the most beneficial investments in a child’s health, providing a strong nutritional basis early in life. The World Health Organization suggests exclusive breastfeeding for infants up to six months old; however, only 26% of infants in the U.S. met this guideline in 2020.
Going back to work has been highlighted as a major impediment to exclusive and ongoing breastfeeding. Mothers who try to continue breastfeeding while pumping at work often struggle to achieve their goals due to insufficient support from their employers, such as the absence of designated lactation spaces and limited pumping time.
The U.S. Senate passed the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act in December 2022.
Nonetheless, Romo-Palafox and her colleagues argue that existing measures like the PUMP Act and Pregnant Workers Fairness Act may not sufficiently address the needs of low-income, racially diverse mothers who frequently return to work early due to financial constraints. The COVID-19 stay-at-home orders offered a unique natural experiment, revealing that many women could breastfeed longer while working from home, leading to improved maternal-infant bonding. This situation underscored the necessity for more holistic support that goes beyond just lactation accommodations, particularly for mothers from historically marginalized communities.
Romo-Palafox and her team recommend policies that extend beyond the current laws by ensuring flexible work locations, especially for positions that usually require in-person attendance. Furthermore, these policies should encompass greater financial and mental health resources, accompanied by telehealth lactation services.
“For instance, maintaining telehealth options for lactation consultants through programs like WIC, which proved effective during the pandemic, is crucial. Even though many programs briefly provided these flexible services, access has since diminished, leaving significant gaps in support,” she noted. “Reinstating and standardizing telehealth lactation services for breastfeeding mothers, especially through WIC, would not only increase breastfeeding success but also alleviate stress and address the unique challenges faced by low-income and diverse populations.”
Co-authors of the study include Valerie Graham, Haley Pritz, and Zoe Henkes from Saint Louis University.
