There is no denying that the COVID-19 pandemic brought profound changes to many aspects of daily life, including how mothers in the U.S. approached breastfeeding. A study conducted by Saint Louis University and recently published in the Maternal and Child Health Journal provides insights into how stay-at-home orders during the pandemic influenced breastfeeding practices. The findings shed light on both the opportunities and challenges faced by mothers navigating infant feeding in an unprecedented time of global crisis.
The Dual Impact of Stay-at-Home Orders on Breastfeeding
The study found that 34% of mothers reported positive effects from stay-at-home orders. Working from home and reduced social obligations allowed for increased breastfeeding ease, stronger mother-child bonding, and longer breastfeeding durations. However, these benefits were counterbalanced by significant barriers, such as limited access to lactation support services and heightened maternal stress due to isolation and uncertainty.
Dr. María José Romo-Palafox, the study’s senior author and assistant professor of nutrition and dietetics at Saint Louis University, highlights the duality of these findings. “The pandemic revealed systemic issues in breastfeeding support while also demonstrating how flexible work arrangements can create opportunities for sustained breastfeeding,” she explained. “This underscores the need for policies that prioritize mental health, financial stability, and equitable access to resources for mothers.”
A Diverse Perspective on Breastfeeding Practices
Unlike previous studies, which often focused on predominantly white, well-educated, partnered, and employed mothers, this research captured data from a large and diverse sample. By surveying mothers across different income levels, regions, and racial/ethnic backgrounds, the study offers a more comprehensive understanding of the pandemic’s impact on breastfeeding.
The study aimed to assess how maternal stress, misinformation, and access to lactation support influenced breastfeeding practices. Data collected through an online survey during summer 2020 revealed critical patterns and themes. These included enhanced breastfeeding at home, increased bonding opportunities, and extended breastfeeding durations, alongside challenges like restricted lactation services and elevated stress levels.
Systemic Barriers and Policy Gaps
For many mothers, returning to work remains one of the greatest obstacles to exclusive and prolonged breastfeeding. Although the U.S. Senate passed the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act in 2022, gaps persist. Dr. Romo-Palafox and her team argue that these policies often fail to address the specific needs of low-income, racially diverse mothers who must return to work early due to financial necessity.
The study highlights how the unique conditions of the pandemic—particularly remote work—enabled many mothers to breastfeed more easily. “The stay-at-home orders offered a natural experiment in how flexibility can positively influence maternal-child health outcomes,” Romo-Palafox explained. However, she noted that without structural support, many of these benefits are unlikely to continue post-pandemic.
Recommendations for Holistic Support
The researchers emphasize the need for policies that go beyond existing mandates. Key recommendations include:
- Flexibility in Work Arrangements: Allowing remote or hybrid work for roles typically requiring in-person attendance.
- Telehealth Lactation Services: Expanding access to virtual lactation consultants, particularly through programs like WIC, which proved effective during the pandemic.
- Financial and Mental Health Resources: Ensuring comprehensive support for mothers to alleviate stress and provide financial stability during the breastfeeding period.
“For example, telehealth lactation support through WIC was a game-changer for many mothers during the pandemic,” Romo-Palafox said. “Yet, many of these services have since been reduced, leaving gaps in care. Reinstating and standardizing telehealth options can help bridge these gaps and enhance breastfeeding success.”
Broader Implications for Maternal and Child Health
The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant’s life, a goal met by only 26% of U.S. mothers in 2020. This study’s findings underscore the importance of addressing systemic barriers to breastfeeding, particularly during global health crises.
Key themes identified in the study—such as the benefits of working from home and the challenges of inadequate lactation support—offer valuable lessons for policymakers. By prioritizing equity and flexibility in maternal health policies, the U.S. can improve breastfeeding outcomes, reduce health disparities, and promote stronger maternal-infant bonds.
Looking Ahead
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted both the resilience and vulnerabilities of mothers navigating breastfeeding in challenging circumstances. As policymakers and healthcare providers consider lessons from this period, the findings from Saint Louis University’s study serve as a roadmap for creating more supportive environments for breastfeeding mothers. Holistic policies that address financial, mental health, and logistical barriers are essential for ensuring that all mothers—regardless of income or background—have the resources they need to thrive.
This research not only captures the pandemic’s unique impact on breastfeeding but also emphasizes the urgency of systemic change to support maternal and child health in a post-pandemic world.
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