Perceptions, knowledge, and practices of breastfeeding in indigenous regions of Mexico during Covid-19 pandemic

Magdalena del Carmen Morales-Domínguez, Anabelle Bonvecchio-Arenas*, Ana Lilia Lozada-Tequeanes, Mishel Unar-Munguía, Elaine Haycock-Stuart, Pam Smith

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective. To explore the perceptions, knowledge, and practices of breastfeeding in the context of Covid-19 of pregnant and postpartum women, midwives, and health providers in an indigenous region of Chiapas, Mexico. Materials and methods. Qualitative thematic analysis study involving semi-structured interviews (n = 46) with pregnant women (n = 19), postpartum women (n = 6), health providers (n = 10, i.e., doctors/nurses), and midwives (n = 11). Results. Among mothers, 47% (n = 11) did not know if Covid-19 is transmitted through breastfeeding. They mentioned that they would stay away from their newborns if infected. Health providers and midwives have not received education or any supporting material on the value of breastfeeding during Covid-19 infection. Conclusion. Breastfeeding mothers’ promotion and counseling remain poor in indigenous communities and have worsened during the Covid-19 pandemic. Breastfeeding training among health providers and midwives should be provided or strengthened even more in emergency situations.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)370-376
Number of pages7
JournalSalud Publica de Mexico
Volume65
Issue number4
Early online date14 Jul 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2023

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • breastfeeding
  • indigenous
  • Mexico
  • Covid-19
  • midwives
  • health providers

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