A recent study conducted by Saint Louis University examined the effects of COVID-19 stay-at-home orders on breastfeeding practices across the United States. The research, led by María José Romo-Palafox, Ph.D., an assistant professor of nutrition and dietetics at SLU, focused on a diverse group of mothers from various regions, income levels, and racial/ethnic backgrounds.
The study found that 34% of mothers reported that stay-at-home orders made breastfeeding easier at home, improved mother-child bonding, and extended breastfeeding duration. However, challenges such as limited access to lactation support and increased maternal stress were also identified.
Romo-Palafox highlighted the systemic barriers affecting breastfeeding in historically marginalized communities. “As a Mexican immigrant, I am dedicated to addressing the systemic barriers that disproportionately affect breastfeeding and maternal health,” she stated. She emphasized the need for supportive work policies that offer mental health and financial stability resources for mothers.
Breastfeeding is considered crucial for a child’s health, with the World Health Organization recommending exclusive breastfeeding up to six months of age. In 2020, only 26% of infants in the U.S. met this recommendation. Returning to work poses significant obstacles to continued breastfeeding due to inadequate support from employers.
While legislation like the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act has been enacted, Romo-Palafox argues these measures may not fully address the needs of low-income and racially diverse mothers who often return to work early out of necessity. The pandemic highlighted that working from home allowed many women to sustain breastfeeding longer and strengthen mother-infant bonds.
Romo-Palafox advocates for policies that provide flexibility in work location and expanded resources for financial stability and mental health. She also calls for reinstating telehealth lactation services through programs like WIC to enhance breastfeeding success and reduce stress among low-income and diverse populations.
“For instance, offering telehealth options for lactation consultants through programs like WIC, which proved effective during the pandemic, is essential to maintain,” she noted. “Reinstating and standardizing telehealth lactation services would enhance breastfeeding success.”
