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Dear colleagues,
In this UNICEF WINS, we present evidence from studies commissioned by UNICEF China on the impact of COVID-19 and associated control measures on breastfeeding practices, postpartum mental health, and mother-child attachment in China.
The first paper reports on the risk of COVID-19 transmission through breast milk among mothers with confirmed COVID-19, as well as the impact of quarantine measures on breastfeeding practices. The study found no evidence of the virus in breast milk of mothers with confirmed COVID-19. However, breastfeeding was less prevalent among babies born to mothers with confirmed and suspected COVID-19. Mothers with confirmed COVID-19 were also found to delay breastfeeding initiation or feed expressed breast milk due to isolation and quarantine measures.
The second paper reports on mothers’ postpartum mental health and mother-child attachment among mothers with and without confirmed COVID-19. Mothers with and without COVID-19 suffered a high incidence of postpartum anxiety and depression. Mother-child attachment was significantly lower in mothers with confirmed COVID-19, which warrants further mental health investment for pregnant mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
These findings reinforce WHO and UNICEF recommendations on breastfeeding in the context of COVID-19 and call for appropriate policy and programme interventions to support breastfeeding, mother-child attachment and mental health in pregnancy and postpartum during COVID-19.
As we implement the UNICEF Nutrition Strategy 2020-2030, UNICEF is guided by the latest evidence to support governments and partners in scaling up policies and programs to support maternal and child nutrition and end child malnutrition, everywhere.
To access previous issues of UNICEF WINS, click here.
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