Breastfeeding Behavior Within the Covid-19 Related Obstetric and Neonatal Outcome Study (CRONOS)

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Janine Zöllkau - , Friedrich Schiller University Jena (Author)
  • Yvonne Heimann - , Friedrich Schiller University Jena (Author)
  • Carsten Hagenbeck - , Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (Author)
  • Ulrich Pecks - , Kiel University (Author)
  • Michael Abou-Dakn - , St. Joseph Hospital Berlin Tempelhof (Author)
  • Rolf Schlösser - , University Hospital Frankfurt (Author)
  • Anna Schohe - , St. Joseph Hospital Berlin Tempelhof (Author)
  • Iris Dressler-Steinbach - , Sana Clinics Group (Author)
  • Maike Manz - , Darmstadt Clinics (Author)
  • Constanze Banz-Jansen - , Medical Center Bethel (Author)
  • Edith Reuschel - , University of Regensburg (Author)
  • Antonella Iannaccone - , University of Duisburg-Essen (Author)
  • Michael K. Bohlmann - , St. Elisabeth’ Hospital Lörrach (Author)
  • Katrina Kraft - , Munich Municipal Hospital Bogenhausen (Author)
  • Sara Fill Malfertheiner - , University of Regensburg (Author)
  • Pauline Wimberger - , Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics (Author)
  • Thomas Kolben - , Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (Author)
  • Catharina Bartmann - , University of Würzburg (Author)
  • Ann Carolin Longardt - , Kiel University (Author)

Abstract

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and its influence on peripartum processes worldwide led to issues in breastfeeding support. Research Aim: The aim of this study was to describe breastfeeding behavior and peripartum in-hospital management during the pandemic in Germany and Austria. Methods: This study was a descriptive study using a combination of secondary longitudinal data and a cross-sectional online survey. Registry data from the prospective multicenter COVID-19 Related Obstetric and Neonatal Outcome Study (CRONOS) cohort study (longitudinal, medical records of 1,815 parent-neonate pairs with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy) and a cross-sectional online survey of CRONOS hospitals’ physicians (N = 67) were used for a descriptive comparison of feeding outcomes and postpartum management. Results: In 93.7% (n = 1700) of the cases in which information on the neonate's diet was provided, feeding was with the mother’s own milk. Among neonates not receiving their mother’s own milk, 24.3% (n = 26) reported SARS-CoV-2 infection as the reason. Peripartum maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection, severe maternal COVID-19 including the need for intensive care unit (ICU) treatment or invasive ventilation, preterm birth, mandatory delivery due to COVID-19, and neonatal ICU admission were associated with lower rates of breastfeeding. Rooming-in positively influenced breastfeeding without affecting neonatal SARS-CoV-2 frequency (4.2% vs. 5.6%). CRONOS hospitals reported that feeding an infant their mother’s own milk continued to be supported during the pandemic. In cases of severe COVID-19, four of five hospitals encouraged breastfeeding. Conclusion: Maintaining rooming-in and breastfeeding support services in the CRONOS hospitals during the pandemic resulted in high breastfeeding rates.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)625-635
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of human lactation
Volume39
Issue number4
Publication statusPublished - 15 Sept 2023
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 37712573

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Austria, COVID-19, CRONOS Registry, Germany, SARS-CoV-2, breastfeeding, lactation management, mother’s milk feeding, pregnancy, prospective cohort, Prospective Studies, Premature Birth, Cross-Sectional Studies, Humans, Breast Feeding, Infant, Pregnancy, COVID-19/epidemiology, Female, Outcome Assessment, Health Care, Infant, Newborn, Cohort Studies

Library keywords