Breastfeeding has proven to have different benefits for both mom and baby and has been supported by all parties.
But if my mother is unfortunate enough to be infected with COVID-19, can she continue breastfeeding?
Can the coronavirus be transmitted through breast milk?
1. Can the new coronavirus be transmitted through breast milk?
There is currently not enough data to establish that COVID-19 can spread vertically through breast milk.
The virus has not been found in breast milk samples in limited studies, so there is insufficient scientific evidence to show that the virus is transmitted through breast milk, which is unlikely to be the source of transmission of the new crown virus.
2. What are the benefits of breastfeeding
Breastfeeding brings many benefits to the health of your baby and mother, including:
Comprehensive nutrition
antibody
Live cells
Immune substances such as immunoglobulins
All of the above can boost your baby's immunity and help avoid infection.
3. Viruses may spread through droplets or contact
During the epidemic, the World Health Organization recommends that governments encourage mothers with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 to continue breastfeeding.
However, it is important to note that during breastfeeding, the confirmed mother may transmit the virus to her baby through droplets or physical contact. But WHO believes that the benefits of breastfeeding far outweigh the potential risks of spreading infectious diseases.
4. Breastfeeding should take precautions
Mothers diagnosed with COVID-19 can discuss with their healthcare and family whether it is appropriate to continue breastfeeding, such as breastfeeding after taking prescription medications.
If you still want to breastfeed, you should take the following precautions to avoid spreading the virus to your baby:
Wear a surgical mask when feeding your baby and keep your hands clean;
If you feel unwell and cannot feed directly, you can express breast milk;
Before milking, pumping, touching accessories for milk pumps or bottles, clean your hands and take personal hygiene measures;
Keep all surfaces clean and wash or disinfect all items and surfaces touched after each use.
In addition, always pay attention to whether the child who is breastfeeding has symptoms of COVID-19.
If the mother has symptoms such as fever and cough, she should seek medical attention immediately, and even if she is physically able to breastfeed, she must comply with the above precautions before she can continue breastfeeding.
However, mothers with suspected or confirmed conditions who choose to breastfeed or are breast milked by others after milk is expressed, or even not breastfed, should be respected.