Breastfeeding in times of COVID-19: a scoping review

Abstract

Objective: to identify how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced postpartum women in breastfeeding. Method: a scoping review, with a search in seven databases. Studies available in full, in English, Portuguese or Spanish, published from December/2019-April/2021 were included. The analysis was carried out by categorizing common themes. Results: 25 studies were included, grouped into five categories, presenting the influence of the pandemic: in the routine of breastfeeding care, evidencing preventive measures against COVID-19; in breastfeeding rates, highlighting changes in dietary practices; in the support network for breastfeeding, indicating a lack of service care; in the postpartum women’s emotions, with predominance of concern and stress; in the use of technology to support breastfeeding, with teleservice facilitating care. Conclusion: the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced new forms of care, in the offer and duration of breastfeeding, in emotional health and in the support network fragility. It is expected to contribute so that health professionals provide care with greater assertiveness in the face of this new situation.