Open AccessThe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the frequency of routine visits and breastfeeding plans on Kasih Medika Clinic
Author(s) -
I Nyoman Hariyasa Sanjaya,
Cokorda Istri Mirayani Pemayun,
Firsta Sesarina Mintariani,
Made Diah Vendita Sakuntari,
Ni Wayan Dewi Purwanti,
Ni Putu Nining Gianni,
Ni Luh Made Diah Mas Cahyani Putri,
Ni Luh Md Dwi Laxmi Satriani,
Ni Komang Anik Pirgantari,
Ni Luh Putu Yulia Padmawati,
Anak Agung Wahyu Putri Agustini
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
indonesian journal of perinatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2775-0736
pISSN - 2775-0744
DOI - 10.51559/inajperinatol.v2i1.9
Subject(s) - breastfeeding , medicine , pandemic , anxiety , population , family medicine , covid-19 , pediatrics , environmental health , psychiatry , disease , pathology , infectious disease (medical specialty)
Introduction. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has affected every part of the population, including pregnant mothers, breastfeeding mothers, and infants. There is an inadequate comprehension of SARS-CoV-2 transmission potential as of now. As expected, it will result in anxiety among the public, including a specific issue such as breastfeeding practice for the suspected or confirmed novel coronavirus infection. This study aimed to assess whether such anxiety was present in a population of patients that routinely visit Kasih Medika clinic.
Methods. This is a simple study conducted on August 5-10, 2020. This study used a questionnaire instrument with samples of pregnant and postpartum mothers. The questionnaire includes a question regarding the anxiety surrounding breastfeeding, visiting the clinic and their everyday activity.
Results. We reported that COVID-19 has an impact on the breastfeeding plans from the respondent's questionnaire. All respondents felt anxious about COVID-19, although only 18% of patients reduce their routine visits to Kasih Medika, while the rest keep visiting as scheduled. Eighty-six percent of respondents restricted their outdoor activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic causes 27% of the respondents to feel afraid of their breastfeeding plans. However, in the primigravida population, 45.45% of respondents were afraid of their breastfeeding plans. Meanwhile, in the multigravida and postpartum respondents, 90.90% were not afraid about their breastfeeding plans during the COVID-19 period.
Conclusion. COVID-19 pandemic brings a certain degree of anxiety to the mothers, including anxiety of safety during breastfeeding practice. Despite the risk of transmission, breastfeeding has more benefits than disadvantages. Breastfeeding makes the infant have a good immune system, which prevents any disease, including COVID-19. Breastfeeding during the COVID-19 is still recommended under health protocol.