COVID19 AND BREASTFEEDING: WHAT WOMEN SAID WHAT HEALTH WORKERS PRACTICES IN MOROCCO?

Objective: The benefits of early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding for a period of six months for the newborn are well documented. Despite this scientific evidence, only 35% of Moroccan children are exclusively breastfed at 6 months. The COVID-19 pandemic has seriously impacted the health of women and newborns. The aim of our study isto contribute to the improvement of breastfeeding practices in the context of health crises. Method: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study in the prefecture of Meknes between December 2020 and March 2021. Two tools for data collection were used:a questionnaire dedicated to mothers of children aged 0-12 months (breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding) and an online questionnaire distributed to health professionals. Three hundred and eighty-five mothers and 52 health professionals participated in this study. Results: During the covid19 pandemic, 250 (64.9%) of the 385 mothers surveyed reported holding their babies for the first time within one hour of birth. Twenty-seven moms (7%) had Covid-19 either during pregnancy (57.2%), delivery (7.1%) or while breastfeeding (28.6%). Twelve mothers (42.9%) of those with Covid-19 breastfed their babies and took preventive measures during breastfeeding by wearing masks and washing their hands regularly. Five babies (1.3%) had Covid-19. Although the majority of health professionals surveyed agreed that they should promote breastfeeding, only half of them reported discussing about breastfeeding in a Covid-19 context with mothers. Conclusion:Recognizing the benefits of breastfeeding, if the health of the mother and her newborn allows, direct breastfeeding or pumping of breast milk should be encouraged by health care providers and must form the basis of interventions to improve breastfeeding during a health crisis.