Pregnancy Birth and Breastfeeding
Written by Anita Cooper, Early Years Teacher
Impact of COVID-19
Pregnant women were categorised as vulnerable as a precautionary measure. Currently there is no information to suggest pregnant women are more susceptible to the virus and should follow government advice on social distancing to protect themselves (GOV.UK, 2020). Although there is limited information on effect of COVID-19 on pregnancy, it is known that some viral infections affect women to a greater extent during pregnancy. This is especially true for those with underling health conditions, hence the precautionary measures (RGOC, 2020). Antenatal and postnatal care remains essential, however there may be an increased use of video conferencing, with visits to hospital reduced when possible. In the event that a hospital visit is necessary, then women may be asked to attend alone (RGOC, 2020).
Maternity departments will allow a birth partner to be present during birth unless they are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 or there is an emergency situation where having the birth partner present would create difficulties for medical staff and pose a danger to the mother or baby. A birth partner will not be allowed on the postnatal ward for the protection of mothers, babies and medical practitioners. Guidance suggests the emotional benefits to mother and baby of having a birth partner need to be balanced against the physical dangers of COVID-19 (RGOC, 2020; WHO, 2020; Unicef,2020).
There is a wide body of research that supports the long-term benefits of breastfeeding for emotional, physical and cognitive reasons for mother and baby (Unicef, 2020). Current information on COVID-19 has not found evidence of the virus in breastmilk so the advice is to follow the guidance on staying safe, including hygiene practices and social distancing (RGOC, 2020; NCT, 2020). It is important to appreciate that not all mothers are able to or want to breastfeed and suggest ways they can remain safe from COVID-19 and bond with their child.
Key factors of good outcomes include mother’s health and wellbeing during pregnancy then, breast feeding and attachment (Field, 2010). Attachment has been described as an emotional bond between the primary caregiver (usually the mother) and the child. This reciprocal relationship is based on the mother responding to the cues the child emits to communicate their underlying needs. The attachment is thought to begin shortly after conception and develops throughout pregnancy (Speckhard, 1997). The proximity behaviours associated with breastfeeding enables babies and mothers to further develop their emotional bond, which in turn facilitates the establishment of a secure attachment associated with evolutionary attachment theory (Bowlby, 1969).A secure attachment forms the basis of future relationships and has been positively linked to good outcomes in terms of emotional, intellectual and physical development (Allen, 2011).
Pregnancy and birth can be an anxious time without the additional worry over COVID-19. In addition to the physical and hormonal changes there are the emotional implications of pregnancy and birth (NCT, 2020; Start4Life, 2020). The Parent-Infant Foundation (2020) looks at the secondary impact of COVID-19 including the long-term impact of stress during pregnancy, parental wellbeing and the home environment and the risks associated with early adversity.
WHO Q&A on COVID-19, pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding
This online resource provides access to global information on the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics relating to pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding include FAQ’s on:
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How pregnant women can protect themselves form COVID-19.
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Breastfeeding.
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Advice on how to care for a newborn baby during the pandemic.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists COVID-19 virus infection and pregnancy.
A comprehensive range of information including reading and video, with links to other sources of advice and relevant articles. Topics include:
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General information and advice for all pregnant women, including mental health.
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Advice for all pregnant women on attending antenatal care.
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Information for all pregnant women about childbirth choices and birth partners.
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Advice for pregnant women with suspected or confirmed coronavirus infection.
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Advice for women with suspected or confirmed coronavirus infection who have recently given birth.
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Occupational health guidance for pregnant women who work in a public-facing role.
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Advice on planning a pregnancy during the pandemic.
Start4LifeCoronavirus (COVID19): Advice during pregnancy and advice for parents
An online NHS resource providing a range of help and advice for pregnancy, birth and new parents. Topics include:
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How COVID-19 affects pregnancy.
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Links to other online information and guidance.
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Antenatal appointments and vaccinations.
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Vitamin D.
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Advice to support mental health during pregnancy, birth and becoming a new parent.
The Breastfeeding Network
This charitable organization provides information and support for breastfeeding during COVID-19. Topics include:
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Starting breastfeeding.
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The benefits of breastfeeding for babies and mothers.
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Can I breastfeed if I have COVID-19?
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Health workers expressing milk at work.
There are also some useful links to other organisations offering breastfeeding advice and support.
Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative
Provides a wealth of resources for new parents on issues including maternal health, breastfeeding and bonding with their baby. Topics include:
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Links to research on infant and maternal health, breastfeeding and the significance of skin to skin contact.
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Guidance and FAQ’s specific to care of newborn babies during COVID-19.
NCT FAQs on coronavirus, pregnancy and parenthood
This includes responses and links to articles addressing concerns such as:
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Coping with social isolation or social distancing.
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Dealing with anxiety over COVID-19.
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Changes to birth plans.
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Links to live antenatal courses.
National Breastfeeding Helpline 0300 100 0212 from 9:30am to 9:30pm, 7 days a week. Live online support via web chat.
It can be beneficial to talk through concerns instead of reading about what to do, so access to advice via phone or web chat is a way of having those face to face conversations that can reassure and respond to individual situations.
Maternity Action
This website includes guidance on practical issues such as:
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Legal rights while at work.
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Benefits during pregnancy and maternity leave.
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Redundancy.
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Health and safety during pregnancy and return to work.
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Sickness during pregnancy and on return to work.
Allen, G. (2011). Early Intervention: The next steps. : London: Cabinet office.
Bowlby, J. (1969) Attachment and loss: Vol. 1: Attachment. London: Hogarth Press.
Breastfeeding Network (2020) (online) Available at
Maternity Action FAQs: Covid-19 – rights and benefits during pregnancy and maternity leave (2020) (online) Available at:https://maternityaction.org.uk/covidmaternityfaqs/
National Breastfeeding Helpline 0300 100 0212 from 9:30am to 9:30pm, 7 days a week. Live online support via web chat.
NCT FAQs on coronavirus, pregnancy and parenthood (2020) (online) Available at:https://www.nct.org.uk/pregnancy/coronavirus-and-pregnancy/faqs-coronavirus-pregnancy-and-parenthood
Parent-Infant Foundation (2020) (online) Available at:https://parentinfantfoundation.org.uk/our-call-on-government-to-keep-babies-safe/
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (2020) COVID-19 virus infection and pregnancy (online) Available at:https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/covid-19-virus-infection-and-pregnancy/
Speckhard A (1997) Traumatic death in pregnancy: The significance of meaning and attachment. In: Figley &, Bride &, Mazza & (eds), Death and trauma: The traumatology of grieving. pp. 67–100.
Start4Life (2020) Coronavirus (COVID19): Advice during pregnancy (online) Available at:https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/pregnancy/coronavirus-covid19-advice-during-pregnancy/
Start4Life (2020) Coronavirus (COVID19): Advice for parents (online) Available at:https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/baby/coronavirus-covid19-advice-for-parents/
Unicef Support for Parents (2020) (online) Available at:https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/support-for-parents/
WHO (2020) Q&A on COVID-19, pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding (online) Available at:https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-on-covid-19-pregnancy-childbirth-and-breastfeeding
