Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Breastfeeding Establishment in Preterm Infants: An Exploratory Study.

To evaluate breastfeeding outcomes in preterm infants born during the Covid-19 pandemic. An observational cohort study of 33 infants born ≤34 weeks' gestation was conducted. The study sample consisted of 33 infants divided into 2 groups: infants born during the Covid-19 pandemic (Covid group, = 11) and those born prior to the pandemic (pre-Covid group, = 22). Breastfeeding at hospital discharge. Fewer infants in the Covid group received breastfeeds at full oral feed ( = .015) and none breastfeeding at hospital discharge ( = .001). In addition, fewer infants in the Covid group received non nutritive sucking ( = .612) and more infants in the Covid group required milk supplementation ( = .032). Study results suggest that breastfeeding establishment at hospital discharge in preterm infants is significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. There is a critical need, in low-risk disease transmission areas, to enhance parental access and to increase in-hospital lactation supports to help safeguard breastfeeding outcomes in preterm infants.