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; S Dib; E Rougeaux; J C Wells; M S Fewtrell

doi:10.1016/j.appet.2020.104985

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

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

Authors

A Vazquez-Vazquez¹, S Dib², E Rougeaux³, J C Wells⁴, M S Fewtrell⁵

Affiliations

¹ Childhood Nutrition Research Group, Population, Policy & Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, WC1N 1EH, UK. Electronic address: adriana.vazquez.15@ucl.ac.uk.
² Childhood Nutrition Research Group, Population, Policy & Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, WC1N 1EH, UK. Electronic address: Sarah.dib.15@ucl.ac.uk.
³ Childhood Nutrition Research Group, Population, Policy & Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, WC1N 1EH, UK. Electronic address: e.rougeaux@ucl.ac.uk.
⁴ Childhood Nutrition Research Group, Population, Policy & Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, WC1N 1EH, UK. Electronic address: Jonathan.wells@ucl.ac.uk.
⁵ Childhood Nutrition Research Group, Population, Policy & Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, WC1N 1EH, UK. Electronic address: m.fewtrell@ucl.ac.uk.

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.

MeSH terms

Adult
Breast Feeding
COVID-19*
Feeding Behavior*
Female
Health Services Accessibility*
Humans
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Length of Stay
Male
Mental Health
Mothers* / psychology
Pandemics*
Preliminary Data
Social Isolation
Stress, Psychological*
Surveys and Questionnaires
United Kingdom