During the COVID-19 pandemic, one thing that's not in short supply are the challenges families face. Unfortunately, feeding a new baby can be one of them. Whether it's access to supplies or adequate support from professionals and family members, the pandemic has created additional obstacles for successful breastfeeding.
The United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) works to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding during emergencies and every day. Currently the USBC is collecting and sharing stories from families who have experienced infant feeding difficulties. Stories will be shared (without identifying information) on the website for other families to read as well as communicated to stakeholders, policymakers, the media, and future action campaigns, blogs, and articles. By sharing the challenges you've faced, you can help make it better for others in the future. On the flip side, some families are sharing positive experiences, like how being able to work from home has improved their ability to breastfeed on demand.
Here are some of the challenges parents have shared about breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic:
"The fear of how the coronavirus could impact our breastfeeding journey has made me pump a months worth of milk for my daughter just in case of a worse case scenario."
"Upon coming home I had 4 children waiting for me to home school them on top of a new baby and establishing breastfeeding with him . Days were long... so long ! There were many times I wanted to give up breastfeeding , but the fear of covid kept me going strong because now more than ever my little boy needs all the antibodies, and immune support he can get from my breast."
"Because of the fear of pandemic many moms chose to breastfeed but found themselves without assistance or support. I also seen repeat moms with low milk supply that they did not experience with previous children which I feel was due to stress of their hospital experience, similar to PTSD."
"Instead of personal meetings, there were only phone calls with a lactation consultant. I was struggling with a low milk supply and the right latching position."
"My baby brother and his girlfriend are new young parents and live on a reservation- they have no breastfeeding support and an internet connection for video calls is very limited."
On the positive side, some have shared these stories:
"My baby brother and his girlfriend are new young parents and live on a reservation- they have no breastfeeding support and an internet connection for video calls is very limited."
"I am incredibly lucky that my employer has been allowing me to work from home since March. This time working from home and being with my son has been THE biggest blessing. My work-life balance has improved immensely. I'm happier, less anxious, and less depressed."
"I normally worked 5 days a week, 10-11 hour days away from my baby. I would pump 2-3 times and provide milk in a bottle or cup. Since March, I have been able to work from home almost every day and breastfeed on demand instead of pumping. My supply has now been regulated to provide exactly what my son needs."
To share your own story of infant feeding during the pandemic, please visit the USBC story share page. Share your challenges, struggles, needs, and successes and triumphs! Doing so will help other families in the future.
Published: August 21, 2020
Tags
BreastfeedingNational Breastfeeding MonthCOVID-19Pandemic