Western Obstetrics is pleased to share that our very own Dr Stuart Prosser (GPO) and Sharon L. Perrella (Lactation Consultant) were involved in this insightful study, Longitudinal changes in wellbeing amongst breastfeeding women in Australia and New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic, published in the European Journal of Pediatrics on 17 August 2022.
How Motherhood Changed During Lockdowns
A 6-Month View
Why this matters
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the support systems and routines that new mothers rely on. This study tracked both feeding habits and maternal wellbeing over time to understand how mothers were coping, and how services can adapt in future emergencies.
How the study worked
Between June 2020 and May 2021, 246 mothers from Australia and New Zealand completed the same online questionnaire every 4 weeks for six months.
The surveys covered feeding patterns, mental wellbeing, stress and anxiety, infant sleep, worries, challenges, and any positive experiences amid pandemic restrictions.
What did they find?
- Full breastfeeding stayed strong at 4 months (81%) but dropped to 37% by 6 months.
- Perceived low milk supply was a key reason for stopping full breastfeeding early.
- Mothers who reported poor infant sleep also tended to experience higher stress, more anxiety, and worse mental wellbeing—and were more likely to wean earlier.
- In the early stages, some lockdowns actually improved family bonding and eased daily pressures. But as restrictions dragged on, the loss of social networks and extended family support took a toll.
Overall takeaway
Lockdowns created a shifting landscape, some benefits in early stages were overshadowed by growing isolation and strain over time. These findings underscore the importance of flexible, responsive maternal care, including in-person services and robust social supports, even when usual systems are disrupted.
The full publication is available here:
Read the article on PubMed