Work

Exploring Challenges and Opportunities for Breastfeeding in Hawai'i During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Year: 2021

Type: editorial

Abstract: Increasing exclusive breastfeeding rates is an established public health strategy to reduce chronic disease and protect infants from illness. The role of breastfeeding in addressing health disparities takes on new significance as the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted some communities in Hawai'i, and those with chronic conditions face increased risk of hospitalization and death. However, there are myriad policy, systemic, and environmental barriers that make it difficult for parents to breastfeed, some of which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This editorial discusses the importance of breastfeeding in reducing chronic disease, reviews the status of breastfeeding in Hawai'i, explores the challenges parents face in breastfeeding their infants, especially in the time of COVID-19, and presents opportunities for improved access to lactation care to reduce health disparities.

Source: Europe PMC (PubMed Central)

Authors: Nicole Kahielani Peltzer, Krista Olson, Sasha Williams, Heidi Hansen-Smith, Jennifer Elia, Meghan D McGurk

Institutions: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hawaii Department of Health

Language: English

Topic: Breastfeeding Practices and Influences

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W3210259032

Cites: 40

Cited by: 1

Related to: 10