The Influence of Respiratory Syncytial Virus on Breastfeeding and Maternal-Infant Bonding

Abstract

Breastfeeding is an integral element for facilitating long term immunity and bonding between a baby and their mother.  When an infant is infected with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) they are put at risk of easy tiring, which increases the likelihood of requiring nutritional supplementation from a bottle to maintain adequate nutrition and hydration.  This review article will discuss the pathophysiology behind RSV, how RSV can impair successful breastfeeding, the social determinants of health related to RSV and breastfeeding, and recommendations to upkeep exclusive breastfeeding if an infant has RSV to facilitate mother-infant bonding.