Study Title
Misalignment of global COVID-19 breastfeeding and newborn care guidelines with World Health Organization recommendations.
Principal Investigator
Duong Hoang Vu, Jennifer Cashin, Karleen Gribble, Kathleen Marinelli, Roger Mathisen.
Affiliation
Alive & Thrive Southeast Asia, FHI 360, Western Sydney University, University of Connecticut School of Medicine.
Start Date
March 2020.
End Date
April 2020.
Study Objective
To assess how international COVID-19 guidance for maternal and newborn care aligns with WHO recommendations, specifically regarding breastfeeding and newborn care.
Short Abstract
This study reviewed COVID-19 guidance from 33 countries on maternal and newborn care, focusing on how well the guidelines align with WHO recommendations. The findings revealed significant misalignment, particularly in terms of promoting breastfeeding and mother-newborn proximity, which could lead to adverse health outcomes for infants. The study calls for better alignment of global guidelines with WHO recommendations to safeguard maternal and infant health during the pandemic.
Study Design
Critical integrative literature review of guidance documents from 33 countries related to COVID-19 maternal and newborn care.
Population
Guidance documents from 33 countries across six continents.
Sample Size
Guidance documents from 33 countries.
Inclusion Criteria
National or professional association guidance documents on pregnancy, intrapartum, and postpartum care in the context of COVID-19.
Exclusion Criteria
Countries without accessible guidance documents or lacking substantial documentation.
Intervention/Exposure
Comparison of national and international COVID-19 maternal and newborn care guidelines with WHO recommendations.
Outcome Measures
- Alignment with WHO recommendations, including skin-to-skin contact, early initiation of breastfeeding, rooming-in, direct breastfeeding, and psychological support for mothers and infants.
Funding Source
Supported by grants from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Irish Aid, Tanoto Foundation, UNICEF, and the World Bank.
Collaborating Institutions
Alive & Thrive Southeast Asia, FHI 360, Western Sydney University, University of Connecticut.
Ethics Approval
Not required (literature review).
Publication Status
Published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, December 2020.
Keywords
COVID-19, breastfeeding, newborn care, WHO guidelines, global health, maternal health.
Data Collection Methods
Review and coding of country-level guidance documents.
Primary Data Availability
Available upon request from the corresponding author.
Contact Information
Jennifer Cashin,