The impact of perinatal maternal alcohol intake on lactation: Results from a Greek survey during the COVID-19 pandemic

Aim: The aim of the present study is to assess the impact of perinatal maternal alcohol intake on lactation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Material and methods: This is a prospective, descriptive cohort study conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic in Greece. Women were recruited from five tertiary maternity hospitals during January-December 2020. A total of 847 mothers participated and data were collected during their hospitalization in the maternity hospital using a structured questionnaire. Follow-up included an interview via telephone, at 1, 3 and 6 months postpartum.
Results: We report significantly lower alcohol intake during the antenatal period (3.4%), lactation period (3.1%) and after cessation of breastfeeding (5.1%) in comparison with the pre-pregnancy period (22.4%, p<0.001 for all correlations). Rates of alcohol intake during pregnancy, lactation and after breastfeeding discontinuation had no significant difference (p=0.848). Mothers who consumed more alcohol after discontinuation of breastfeeding (AOR = 11.51; 95% CI: 2.80 ─ 47.32, p<0.001) were significantly more likely to cease breastfeeding. Furthermore, lower weekly alcohol intake after breastfeeding cessation (β= -31.81, SE: 6.47, p<0.001) was associated with longer breastfeeding duration.
Conclusions: Perinatal maternal alcohol intake was reduced in comparison to the pre-pregnancy period. This downward trend, compared to Greek studies carried out before the COVID-19 pandemic, indicates that this unprecedented pandemic might have contributed to the reduction of addictive substance use, possibly due to fear of illness during the vulnerable perinatal period. The involvement of spouses/partners and families in alcohol rehabilitation and abstinence programs would possibly increase the effectiveness of these programs and therefore improve overall public health.