Ms Megan Etherton:

I thank the Senator for the question. Our responses relate mainly to pre-Covid experiences. We have received follow-on feedback from mothers on their experiences during Covid. The negative impact on women labouring, birthing and establishing breastfeeding alone in maternity hospitals has been well covered in the media.

We see a shocking consistency pre-Covid and during Covid. The only difference is that the sense of isolation, vulnerability and lack of support has been exacerbated by Covid. We have not conducted any research on that, but the anecdotal evidence from women is that the sense of feeling and being left alone has been exacerbated.

Other research being carried out suggests that women who, like Ms Byrne, have already initiated breastfeeding are breastfeeding for an extended period. There are also some reports that contradict that. I am not aware of any final summary or decision on whether the restrictions have had a positive or negative impact on breastfeeding rates overall. I am sure Ms Cahill and Ms Rea will be able to speak to that much more, given that they are speaking to women every day.