Examining the impact of COVID-19 on perinatal mental health and lactation

Research Updates

Updated January 2025
This study examined mental health and lactation experiences of minoritized postpartum people in California during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 214 participants were enrolled. Both survey and interview data were collected between March and August 2024. We found that participants of all racial and ethnic backgrounds and socioeconomic groups experienced high levels of stress and depression during the perinatal period. Approximately, 40% of participants were not offered any mental health services or support. Mental health symptoms were also linked to experiences of racism, discrimination and intimate partner violence. These findings reveal significant gaps in perinatal mental health support for minoritized families.

Proposed Research and Background

In California, perinatal mental health conditions threaten community health causing challenges for pregnant and postpartum people, maternal-infant dyads, and families. Minoritized communities experience the highest burden of perinatal mental health disorders and lower breastfeeding rates, with the prevalence of perinatal anxiety and depression highest among Black women and birthing people. Pregnant and postpartum minoritized individuals together comprise over 68% of the birthing population in California and are at especially high risk of these deleterious pregnancy outcomes. These populations’ experiences with racism further exacerbate their vulnerability to perinatal mental health conditions and lower breastfeeding initiation rates. However, little research has addressed the ongoing pandemic-related needs of this important population.

Community-Based Participatory Action Research (CBPAR) is a strategy proven effective for overcoming barriers to engagement with vulnerable populations. During CBPAR, community partners are centered and engaged throughout all phases of research, including developing research question and methodology, gathering data, disseminating results, and implementation of findings.

To achieve the aims of this project, we are leveraging our existing partnership with Breast Friends Lactation and Support Services and the California Black Women’s Health Project to examine minoritized postpartum families’ experiences with perinatal care access, lactation and infant feeding, and mental health during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We will also build on our preliminary studies and existing resources to address the aims of the project. Outputs from this work will include perinatal mental health during emergencies resources and interactive perinatal education and advocacy toolkits for families, healthcare settings, and policy makers.

Collaborators

• Breast Friends Lactation Support Services
• California Black Women’s Health Project