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Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Breastfeeding Establishment in Preterm Infants: An Exploratory Study.

Sandra FucileJenna HeathKimberly Dow
Published in: Neonatal network : NN (2023)
Purpose: To evaluate breastfeeding outcomes in preterm infants born during the Covid-19 pandemic. Design: An observational cohort study of 33 infants born ≤34 weeks' gestation was conducted. Sample: The study sample consisted of 33 infants divided into 2 groups: infants born during the Covid-19 pandemic (Covid group, n = 11) and those born prior to the pandemic (pre-Covid group, n = 22). Main Outcome Variable: Breastfeeding at hospital discharge. Results: Fewer infants in the Covid group received breastfeeds at full oral feed ( p = .015) and none breastfeeding at hospital discharge ( p = .001). In addition, fewer infants in the Covid group received non nutritive sucking ( p = .612) and more infants in the Covid group required milk supplementation ( p = .032). Study results suggest that breastfeeding establishment at hospital discharge in preterm infants is significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. There is a critical need, in low-risk disease transmission areas, to enhance parental access and to increase in-hospital lactation supports to help safeguard breastfeeding outcomes in preterm infants.
Keyphrases
  • preterm infants
  • low birth weight
  • coronavirus disease
  • sars cov
  • human milk
  • gestational age
  • respiratory syndrome coronavirus
  • healthcare
  • type diabetes
  • emergency department
  • insulin resistance
  • electronic health record