Exploring the Impact of Restricted Partners’ Visiting Policies on Non-Infected Mothers’ Mental Health and Breastfeeding Rates during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Daniela Morniroli, Alessandra Consales, Lorenzo Colombo, Elena Nicoletta Bezze, Lidia Zanotta, Laura Plevani, Monica Fumagalli, Fabio Mosca and Maria Lorella Giannì
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Daniela Morniroli: Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, 20122 Milan, Italy
Alessandra Consales: Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
Lorenzo Colombo: Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, 20122 Milan, Italy
Elena Nicoletta Bezze: Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, 20122 Milan, Italy
Lidia Zanotta: Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, 20122 Milan, Italy
Laura Plevani: Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, 20122 Milan, Italy
Monica Fumagalli: Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, 20122 Milan, Italy
Fabio Mosca: Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, 20122 Milan, Italy
Maria Lorella Giannì: Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, 20122 Milan, Italy

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 12, 1-11

Abstract: Changes in perinatal care occurring during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may negatively affect mothers’ mental health and breastfeeding. This study, performed between April and May 2020, aimed to investigate the effect of restricted partners’ visiting policies on non-infected mother’s anxiety symptoms, the perceived postpartum support, and the breastfeeding outcomes at discharge. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a neonatal tertiary referral center in northern Italy during Italy’s lockdown. We enrolled mothers with a negative nasopharyngeal swab for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), adequate oral and written comprehension of the Italian language, and absence of underlying maternal or neonatal clinical conditions. Maternal anxiety levels were assessed through the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Form Y (STAI-Y). Maternal perception of staff’s support was evaluated by the Nurse Parent Support Tool (NPST). A STATE-A (concurrent emotional state after a specific situation) score ? 40 was considered indicative of clinically significant symptoms of anxiety. A total of 109 mothers completed the study. Mean STATE-A score was ?40 in 42% of mothers, and median NPST score was 4.23. Mothers separated from their partner had a mean STATE-A score ? 40 in a higher percentage of cases than those who were not (51% vs. 30%, p = 0.03) and a lower perception of caregiver support. A NPST score ?4.23, partner ‘s absence during the hospital stay and primiparity were independently associated with a STATE-A score ? 40. Breastfeeding rates at discharge were not influenced by maternal anxiety levels and partner’s restricted policies. Instead, they were influenced by mode of delivery, a well-known risk factor, and pre-pandemic intention to breastfeed. Our study demonstrates the positive impact of a partner’s presence on maternal mental health and perception of caregiver support.

Keywords: breastfeeding; COVID-19; maternal anxiety; hospital policies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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