The Experience of Breastfeeding Women During the Pandemic in Romania

Abstract

Highlights: What are the main findings? The pandemic posed an additional psychological burden for women who breastfed during this period. Despite elevated stress, mothers demonstrated a persistent commitment to breastfeeding; access to breastfeeding support during the pandemic remained generally limited. What are the implications of the main findings? Emphasizing the essential role of psychological support for breastfeeding mothers during the pandemic, facilitating both the initiation and the continuation of breastfeeding in the context of public health crises. Highlighting the need to identify effective interventions to support mothers during public health crises. Background: Evidence suggests that the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated changes have negatively influenced breastfeeding practices. Considering that breastfeeding women are already known to be more vulnerable in terms of emotional status, the aim of our study was to evaluate the experiences and concerns of breastfeeding women in Romania during the pandemic. Also, we tried to identify the most effective measures for mitigating the negative impacts. Methods: A 46-item questionnaire was developed for data collection and it was shared on Facebook and Instagram, with networks of women who breastfed during the pandemic and with obstetric communities. Our cross-sectional survey recruited 261 Romanian breastfeeding women. Among general questions about basic demographic information and details about changes experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the survey included questions about their breastfeeding experiences during the pandemic, whether they had contracted SARS-CoV-2 while breastfeeding, their concerns, and their overall perceptions of the period. Results: In our study, we observed that women who breastfed during the pandemic—especially those who had contracted SARS-CoV-2—experienced significant fear that their newborns or children might become infected. These mothers also expressed deep concern for their own health and the wellbeing of their loved ones. The experience of contracting SARS-CoV-2 was a major source of psychological stress. Despite these challenges, the participants, especially women who contracted SARS-CoV2, reported a notably longer overall duration of breastfeeding and higher rates of exclusive breastfeeding. However, access to breastfeeding support during this period was generally limited. Conclusions: These findings highlight the negative impact of the pandemic on breastfeeding mothers and the adaptability of mothers under crisis conditions, emphasizing the need for improved support systems and targeted interventions to assist mothers during public health crises.