Breastfeeding prevalence in newborns of mothers with COVID-19: a systematic review

Objectives: to compare exclusive breastfeeding prevalence versus artificial feeding in newborns of mothers with COVID-19. Methods: a systematic review of prevalence, according to JBI. Searches in PubMed((R)), Embase, CINAHL, LILACS and Web of ScienceT databases in August 2021. Cross-sectional, longitudinal or cohort studies were selected, without language and time limitations that showed breastfeeding prevalence or that allowed calculation. Results: fifteen articles published in 2020 and 2021, cohort (60%) or cross-sectional (40%) were analyzed. The average of exclusive breastfeeding in mothers with COVID-19 was 56.76% (CI=39.90-72.88), and artificial breastfeeding, 43.23% (CI = 30.99 - 55.88), without statistically significant differences. Conclusions: despite the recommendations for maintaining breastfeeding, there was a reduction worldwide, when compared to periods prior to the pandemic. With advances in science, these rates have improved, showing the impact of evidence on practices. As limitations, study sources are cited. It is recommended to carry out new studies. PROSPERO registration CRD42021234486.