COVID-19 pandemic-related change in racial and ethnic disparities in exclusive breastmilk feeding during the delivery hospitalization: a differences-in-differences analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Exclusive breastmilk feeding during the delivery hospitalization, a Joint Commission indicator of perinatal care quality, is associated with longer-term breastfeeding success. Marked racial and ethnic disparities in breastfeeding exclusivity and duration existed prior to COVID-19. The pandemic, accompanied by uncertainty regarding intrapartum and postpartum safety practices, may have influenced disparities in infant feeding practices. Our objective was to examine whether the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City was associated with a change in racial and ethnic disparities in exclusive breastmilk feeding during the delivery stay.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of electronic medical records from 14,964 births in two New York City hospita

SUBMITTER: Glazer KB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8934049 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature