How to organize breastfeeding and restore lactation if the mother is sick with coronavirus - advice from the international organization "Unisef"
Is it dangerous COVID-19 for kids?
The impact of the new coronavirus on children is still being studied. It is now known that people of any age can be infected with it. But so far, mainly mild forms or an asymptomatic course of the disease in children have been recorded.
The most effective way to protect yourself, your loved ones, and those at risk is to minimize all contact. Choose for a walk with toddler places where you will not bump into people or can easily maintain a safe distance with them.
Wear a mask so that infected drops do not fly to the baby / istockphoto.com
Breastfeeding and COVID-19
According to WHO, an active SARS-CoV-2 virus (a virus that can cause infection) has not been detected in breast milk no mothers with confirmed COVID-19. The multiple benefits of breastfeeding far outweigh the potential risks of virus transmission and COVID-19 disease. This is why the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) and WHO recommend that you continue to breastfeed your baby even if you are infected or suspected of being infected. It is also important to hold the baby in your arms and ensure skin-to-skin contact.
Basic rules for breastfeeding if mom has coronavirus
- Use a mask while feeding to prevent droplets of infected mucus from getting on your baby. This reduces the risk of infection. Make sure that the mask fits snugly against your face.
- Wash your hands before:
- wear a mask;
- take a baby;
- touching the breast or expressing;
- use a breast pump or breast milk container.
3. If possible, avoid coughing or sneezing into your baby while breastfeeding.
4. After removing the mask, discard it and wash your hands thoroughly (within 20 seconds).
5. If you cough over an open breast, gently wash your breasts with warm water and soap before breastfeeding (wash for at least 20 seconds). If this does not happen, it is unnecessary to wash your breasts before each feeding or pumping.
Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before pumping / istockphoto.com
If the condition of the nursing mother has worsened
If you have symptoms such as:
- dyspnea,
- hacking cough,
- chest pain
- temperature that is difficult to lower
- severe pallor or cyanosis of the skin;
- repeated vomiting,
urgently inform your doctor or call an ambulance, or go to a medical facility.
You can resume feeding as soon as you feel better. This requires frequent direct contact with the baby. Apply it to your chest every two hours, at least. The younger the baby, the faster breastfeeding will usually be restored. When milk begins to return, reduce supplemental feeding.
Remember! There is no specific time that must elapse after a suspicion of COVID-19 is confirmed. In addition, there is no evidence to suggest that breastfeeding alters the clinical course of coronavirus in nursing mom.
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