The topic of newborn care and breastfeeding in the context of COVID-19 has been a “hot topic.” There is still so much we do not know about the coronavirus and how it is transmitted.To date we have no data that suggests that the virus can be transmitted through breast milk. So given the fact that human milk is the optimal form of nutrition for all infants, it is still recommended for mom to breastfeed even if she has confirmed or suspected covid-19. To reduce the risk of transmission, a mom who is COVID-19 positive should practice good hand washing prior to holding her baby and wear a face covering while holding or nursing her baby.
There has been ongoing debate in the medical community regarding whether a mother with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 should be separated from her baby after birth in order to protect the infant. We still do not know enough about how transmission may occur while the baby is in utero, through delivery and in the postpartum period, so there really isn’t official guidance on this issue.
Some hospitals are still practicing “rooming-in” if the baby is healthy, but keeping a distance of 6 feet between mom and baby except during feeding. Some other facilities are having mothers and babies stay in separate rooms. For premature babies, or babies who have any health complications, it may be safest to separate the infant from the mother. If Mom is unable to directly nurse her baby, it is very important for her to start pumping so she can still provide breast milk for her baby.
If you are preparing to deliver, it’s a good idea to have a discussion with your health care provider ahead of time so you can develop a plan in case you are exposed to covid-19 or develop symptoms. Having these discussions with both your OB provider as well as your pediatric health care provider will help familiarize you with the policies and procedures of the hospital where you will deliver so that you can develop a plan of care.
Here is a link to the guidance we do have here in the United States.
https://kellymom.com/covid19/covid-19-us-guidance
Recent Comments