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Background <p>The COVID-19 pandemic caused a dramatic shift in maternal health care and lactation services. For Black women, the lack of accessibility during the pandemic may have potentially increased existing barriers and impacted breastfeeding behaviors. The objective of this qualitative study is to explore the experiences and accounts of Black breastfeeding mothers in Tennessee during the COVID-19 global pandemic.</p> Methods <p>A convenience sample method was used to recruit mothers who self-identified as Black through social media platforms to participate in a survey focusing on facilitators and barriers which impact breastfeeding behaviors. Eligibility criteria included being 18 years or older and residing in Tennessee, USA during their most recent birth. An online survey was distributed and was accessible to potential participants from June-August 2021. The survey was comprised of both quantifiable and qualitative questions. Qualitative responses pertaining to breastfeeding experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic were transcribed and coded using NVIVO analysis software. Similar codes were grouped together to create themes.</p> Results <p>For this study, the study population includes only those who reported that they were breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic and provided a qualitative response to the question, “Is there anything you would like to share about your experience breastfeeding during COVID-19?” (<i>N</i> = 27). The average age of participants was 33 years old, 67% were married and a large percentage (63%) were multiparous mothers. From the qualitative responses, three themes were identified: (1) breastfeeding benefits, (2) pandemic experiences, (3) perseverance/determination. One subtheme, coronavirus protection, was also identified.</p> Conclusion <p>This study sheds light on the experiences of Black breastfeeding mothers and their resilience to overcome breastfeeding challenges during a global pandemic. Moreover, it signifies how adequate breastfeeding education and support can facilitate positive breastfeeding behaviors. These findings can inform research efforts and initiatives to better support Black mothers on their breastfeeding journeys, particularly in times of health emergencies.</p>

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“I will breastfeed until the pandemic has ceased to protect her at all costs”: a qualitative analysis of black breastfeeding mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月22日

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  • Chanell O. Haley,
  • Lily E. King,
  • Tyra T. Gross,
  • Kahler W. Stone,
  • Cathy G. McElderry,
  • Chandra R. Story

摘要

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a dramatic shift in maternal health care and lactation services. For Black women, the lack of accessibility during the pandemic may have potentially increased existing barriers and impacted breastfeeding behaviors. The objective of this qualitative study is to explore the experiences and accounts of Black breastfeeding mothers in Tennessee during the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Methods

A convenience sample method was used to recruit mothers who self-identified as Black through social media platforms to participate in a survey focusing on facilitators and barriers which impact breastfeeding behaviors. Eligibility criteria included being 18 years or older and residing in Tennessee, USA during their most recent birth. An online survey was distributed and was accessible to potential participants from June-August 2021. The survey was comprised of both quantifiable and qualitative questions. Qualitative responses pertaining to breastfeeding experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic were transcribed and coded using NVIVO analysis software. Similar codes were grouped together to create themes.

Results

For this study, the study population includes only those who reported that they were breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic and provided a qualitative response to the question, “Is there anything you would like to share about your experience breastfeeding during COVID-19?” (N = 27). The average age of participants was 33 years old, 67% were married and a large percentage (63%) were multiparous mothers. From the qualitative responses, three themes were identified: (1) breastfeeding benefits, (2) pandemic experiences, (3) perseverance/determination. One subtheme, coronavirus protection, was also identified.

Conclusion

This study sheds light on the experiences of Black breastfeeding mothers and their resilience to overcome breastfeeding challenges during a global pandemic. Moreover, it signifies how adequate breastfeeding education and support can facilitate positive breastfeeding behaviors. These findings can inform research efforts and initiatives to better support Black mothers on their breastfeeding journeys, particularly in times of health emergencies.