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. 2021 Jan 1:156:104985.
doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2020.104985. Epub 2020 Oct 7.

The impact of the Covid-19 lockdown on the experiences and feeding practices of new mothers in the UK: Preliminary data from the COVID-19 New Mum Study

A Vazquez-Vazquez  1 , S Dib  2 , E Rougeaux  3 , J C Wells  4 , M S Fewtrell  5
Affiliations

The impact of the Covid-19 lockdown on the experiences and feeding practices of new mothers in the UK: Preliminary data from the COVID-19 New Mum Study

A Vazquez-Vazquez et al. Appetite. .

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 New Mum Study is recording maternal experiences and infant feeding during the UK lockdown. This report from week 1 of the survey describes and compares the delivery and post-natal experiences of women who delivered before (BL) versus during (DL) the lockdown.

Methods: Women living in the UK aged ≥18 years with an infant ≤12 months of age completed an anonymous online survey (https://is.gd/covid19newmumstudy). Information/links are shared via websites, social media and existing contacts.

Results: From 27.5.20-3.6.20, 1365 women provided data (94% white, 95% married/with partner, 66% degree/higher qualification, 86% living in house; 1049 (77%) delivered BL and 316 (23%) DL. Delivery mode, skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding initiation did not differ between groups. DL women had shorter hospital stays (p < 0.001). 39% reported changes to their birth plan. Reflecting younger infant age, 59% of DL infants were exclusively breast-fed/mixed fed versus 39% of BL (p < 0.05). 13% reported a change in feeding; often related to lack of breastfeeding support, especially with practical problems. Important sources of feeding support were the partner (60%), health professional (50%) and online groups (47%). 45% of DL women reported insufficient feeding support. Among BL women, 57% and 69% reported decreased feeding support and childcare, respectively. 40% BL/45% DL women reported insufficient support with their own health, 8%/9% contacted a mental health professional; 11% reported their mental health was affected. 9% highlighted lack of contact/support from family and distress that they had missed seeing the baby.

Conclusion: Lockdown has impacted maternal experiences, resulting in distress for many women. Our findings suggest the need for better infant feeding support, especially 'face-to-face' support for practical issues; and recognising and supporting mothers who are struggling with mental health challenges or other aspects of their health. The effectiveness of online versus face-to-face contact is currently uncertain, and requires further evaluation.

Keywords: Birth; Breastfeeding; Covid-19; Infant feeding; Lockdown; Mental health; Mother; Social support.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest with respect to the COVID-19 New Mum Study or this manuscript. MF receives an unrestricted donation for research on infant nutrition from Philips. The remaining authors declare no other conflicts.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Geographical location of survey participants who completed the survey in week 1 (by first 3 characters of postcode).
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Number of nights spent in hospital for women who delivered before versus during lockdown and completed the survey in week 1.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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