A Saint Louis University study has explored the impact of COVID-19 stay-at-home orders on breastfeeding practices in the U.S. The study, recently published in the Maternal and Child Health Journal , provides critical insights into how pandemic-induced changes affected breastfeeding habits.
Thirty-four percent of mothers said stay-at-home orders facilitated easier breastfeeding at home, stronger mother-child bonding, and extended breastfeeding duration for many women. However, the pandemic also presented significant barriers, including limited access to lactation support and heightened maternal stress. Earlier studies on mothers' breastfeeding habits yielded samples of a majority of white, non-Hispanic, well-educated, partnered and employed respondents.
This study surveyed the breastfeeding practices of a large and diverse sample of U.S. mothers across various regions, income levels, and racial/ethnic backgrounds.
María José Romo-Palafox, Ph.D., assistant professor of nutrition and dietetics at SLU, is the paper's senior author.
Romo-Palafox is a registered dietitian and researcher focusing on maternal-child health in historically marginalized communities. "As a Mexican immigrant, I am dedicated to addressing the systemic barriers that disproportionately affect breastfeeding and maternal health . Observing the pandemic's impact on breastfeeding illuminated the urgent need for holistic, supportive work policies," she said.
"I am passionate about contributing to solutions th.