Influence of group and online prenatal education services and the COVID-19 context on different indicators related to breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is important for the health of mothers and their infants. It contributes in particular to the strengthening of the latter's immune system. As a second wave of the global COVID-19 pandemic rages in Canada, we still do not know the impact of this crisis on breastfeeding. According to the theoretical model of breastfeeding self-efficacy (BSE), the development of mothers' confidence in their ability to breastfeed could be influenced by the context of this crisis and by the availability of prenatal education services. With this in mind, it is essential to know the influence of group prenatal education (GPE) and online prenatal education (OVE) services, as well as the context of COVID-19 on breastfeeding. Purpose: To measure the influence of GPE/OVE services and the context of COVID-19 on various indicators related to breastfeeding among expectant and new mothers of a first child. Method: Predictive correlational study conducted using data from a cohort study of 863 women pregnant with a first child, some of whom were exposed to the Quebec context of COVID-19 at the end of pregnancy and/or in the weeks following birth. Different analysis models will be used to estimate the influence of educational services and the COVID-19 context on the intention to breastfeed, the evolution of the SAEA, the initiation and duration of breastfeeding. Impact: The results will be able to guide decision-making aimed at better integration of educational and breastfeeding support services throughout the perinatal trajectory, in the context of a pandemic, here and internationally.