The COVID-19 pandemic is a topic that everyone is talking about and a little scared about these days. So if a mother with a newborn baby gets COVID-19, the biggest question that comes to mind is, "Should I continue breastfeeding my baby or stop? Will the baby get sick too?" I understand that this is really a worrying thing. If you are also worried about something like this, don't worry. Let's talk about this in detail.
Can I breastfeed if I have COVID-19?
The first piece of good news for you is that, as far as we know, the virus that causes COVID-19 does not appear to be transmitted to your baby through breast milk. This means that even if you have COVID-19, it is generally safe to breastfeed your baby.
In fact, breast milk is the most valuable and nutritious food you can give your baby . It not only helps your baby grow, but it also helps protect your baby from various diseases. Think of it like a natural protective shield for your baby. Breast milk contains special substances that help your baby's body fight diseases, which we call `Antibodies` . These are like little soldiers that protect your baby, especially from respiratory diseases. So even in a situation like COVID-19, this protection from breast milk is very valuable for your baby.
But, there is another thing we need to be careful about here. That is, even if the virus is not transmitted through breast milk, the virus can be transmitted to the baby through the tiny droplets that come out of your mouth and nose when you talk, cough, or sneeze. This is the main thing we need to be careful about.
Therefore, if you have symptoms of COVID-19, or if you have been confirmed to have COVID-19, be sure to seek advice from your doctor or midwife (PHM) on how to continue breastfeeding safely. They will guide you in the best way possible.
Another thing is, if you feel uncomfortable giving your baby breast milk directly, you can give your baby expressed milk in a bottle. This is also a good option. We will talk about this later.
How can I protect my baby from this virus?
Whether you decide to breastfeed or bottle-feed, there are some simple, yet very important things you can do to protect your baby from the virus.
1. Wash Your Hands Frequently!
This isn't something new to say, is it? But it's even more important at this time.
- Before touching your baby, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds. Make sure to thoroughly clean your palms, between your fingers, and even under your nails.
- Wash your hands before handling your breasts and before expressing milk.
- If you use a breast pump , wash your hands before handling it and after using it.
- If you don't have soap and water, you can use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. But remember, if your hands are visibly dirty, it's best to wash them with soap.
Remember: The virus can be on our hands. If we touch our baby with those hands, or if we touch their face, mouth, or nose, the virus is more likely to be passed on to them. That's why hand washing is so important.
2. Wear a mask when breastfeeding!
If you have COVID-19 symptoms, or if you have been confirmed to have COVID-19, wear a mask properly whenever you breastfeed your baby and whenever you are around your baby.
- The mask should be worn in a way that covers both your nose and mouth well.
- If it gets wet or dirty, put a new one on.
- Dispose of used face masks properly and dispose of them safely in a trash can. If using a cloth face mask, wash and dry thoroughly after use.
This mouth mask largely controls the amount of saliva that comes out when you talk and breathe and gets into the baby.
3. Clean the breast pump and bottles properly!
If you use a breast pump to express milk, you should wash and sterilize its parts, milk collection bottles, baby feeding bottles, and nipples after each use.
- Clean the equipment according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- You can usually sterilize it by washing it with hot water and soap, then boiling it in boiling water for about 5-10 minutes, or using a steam sterilizer.
4. Let a Healthy Person Give Expressed Milk
If you're having a hard time, or if you're a little scared or anxious about approaching your baby, this is also a good option.
- You can express your milk by following the safety precautions mentioned above (washing your hands, wearing a mask).
- Then, a healthy person in your home who does not have COVID-19 symptoms (for example, your husband, mother) can give that milk to your baby in a bottle.
- Breastfeeding mothers should follow basic hygiene practices, such as washing their hands before touching their baby.
What to do if your baby also has COVID-19?
Even if doctors confirm that your baby has COVID-19, it is not necessary to wear a face mask when you are around your baby. Because both of you have the virus, there is no need to worry about a new infection through it.
However, it is always a good idea to practice basic hygiene habits, such as washing your hands before touching your baby.
When should I see a doctor? (When Should I Call the Doctor?)
This is a very important point. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, or if they seem to be getting worse, definitely seek medical advice.
If you have any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately or seek advice by phone:
- Fever (usually greater than 38 degrees Celsius / 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Cough (especially a new, painful cough)
- Difficulty breathing or chest tightness
- Cold symptoms: sore throat, stuffy nose, or runny nose
- Shivering due to cold
- Muscle pain or body ache
- Headache
- Loss of taste and smell (this is a specific symptom of COVID-19)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Upset stomach or diarrhea
- Extreme fatigue (different from normal fatigue, too tired to get out of bed)
Also, if your baby has any of these symptoms, call a doctor immediately or take him to the nearest hospital without delay:
- Fever (for babies, usually a rectal temperature of more than 38 degrees Celsius / 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Difficulty breathing: If the baby is breathing rapidly, if the chest is going in when breathing, if the nose is flaring, if there is a wheezing sound when breathing.
- If you reduce your milk intake or completely avoid it.
- If the baby is not as active as usual , is sleepy, or is difficult to wake.
- If the baby's skin, lips, or fingernails turn blue.
- If the baby seems sick (if you feel something different or strange about the baby).
Please remember: Don't panic, but seeking medical advice quickly at a time like this is the best thing you can do for yourself and your baby. Getting treatment on time can help reduce many problems.
Where can I find the latest, accurate information about COVID-19?
Information and advice about COVID-19 can be constantly changing. Because this is a new virus, new things are being discovered about it every day. Therefore, it is very important to always get information from a reliable source. Don't believe everything you hear or see on social media.
- You can check out the website of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) in the US . It has the latest, scientific information.
- Also, stay tuned for announcements and advice issued by the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka . You can get this information through their official website and social media pages.
- You can also ask about this from your local Medical Officer of Health (MOH) office or your Family Health Worker (PHM) .
Finally, here are some things you need to remember! (Take-Home Message)
Okay, so I hope you've found some comfort in what we've discussed. Even if you have COVID-19, there's nothing to be too worried about breastfeeding your baby. Here are some important things to remember:
- Breastfeeding is safe: According to current information, the COVID-19 virus is not transmitted to the baby through breast milk. Breast milk is the best nutrition and protection for the baby.
- It's important to be careful: The virus can be passed from you to your baby through droplets. So, be sure to follow safety measures like washing your hands and wearing a mask.
- Expressed milk is also a good option: If you are having trouble expressing milk directly, you can express it and have a healthy person give it to your baby.
- Seek medical advice: If you or your baby develop any symptoms, seek medical advice without delay.
- You are not alone: It is normal to feel anxious and scared at a time like this. Don't be afraid to ask for help from your family, doctors, or midwife, and to talk about what is on your mind.
You are a strong mother who has overcome this challenge! Wishing you and your baby all the best!
` COVID-19, breastfeeding, baby, safety, virus, symptoms, medical advice
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න