Breastfeeding and the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The aim of this study was to understand the impacts of SARS-CoV-2 on breastfeeding. This is an integrative literature review carried out in the online databases LILACS, BDENF and MEDLINE. The descriptors used in the search were “Breastfeeding” AND “Coronavirus” AND “Postpartum period”. The search covered the period January 2021. Studies in Portuguese and English were selected. Eleven articles met the eligibility criteria and composed the reading of the summary of this review. According to the studies, there are several factors that impact breastfeeding in the face of SARS-CoV-2, we can mention that the insecurity of lactating women is the biggest factor that prevents the maintenance of breastfeeding and the uncertainties that surround it throughout the pandemic. It is concluded that breastfeeding of mothers with COVID-19 is safe, following the appropriate infection control measures to prevent mother-infant contagion, and to reduce the impact of early weaning, we must carry out educational activities in the prenatal period and carry out training with the multidisciplinary team to encourage exclusive breastfeeding in view of its benefits.