The study found that stay-at-home orders created an environment that was conducive to breastfeeding, allowing mothers to establish and maintain breastfeeding routines more easily. The increased proximity between mothers and their infants also led to improved bonding experiences and strengthened the mother-child relationship.

Extended breastfeeding duration has benefits for both infants and mothers, as breast milk provides essential nutrients and antibodies that protect babies from illnesses and promote their cognitive and emotional development. By extending the duration of breastfeeding, mothers can provide these advantages to their infants for a longer period, potentially leading to long-term health benefits.

However, the study also revealed challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers during the pandemic, including limited access to lactation support services. With healthcare facilities being restricted or closed, many mothers struggled to seek professional guidance or access necessary resources, which may have made the breastfeeding journey more difficult.

Furthermore, the pandemic itself added stress to mothers, which could impact their breastfeeding experiences. Uncertainty, fears, and disruptions caused by the crisis heightened maternal stress levels, which research has shown can impact milk supply and hinder successful breastfeeding. Therefore, it is crucial to address and alleviate maternal stress to promote optimal breastfeeding outcomes.

In conclusion, the study highlights the dual impact of stay-at-home orders on breastfeeding during the pandemic. While it facilitated easier breastfeeding at home, strengthened mother-child bonding, and extended breastfeeding duration for many women, it also presented challenges such as limited access to lactation support and heightened maternal stress. Moving forward, it is important to ensure adequate resources and support systems are in place to empower and assist breastfeeding mothers, especially during uncertain times like these.