Breast Feeding During Viral Illness
It’s a very common query of nursing mothers whether to continue or stop breast feeding if having common cold, flu or flue like illnesses. Recently Covid-19 pandemic has also arisen the concerns about safety measures to lower risk of cross infection to baby.
You’ll be relieved to know that so far breast feeding is not associated with direct viral transmission, or increasing the chance of getting viral infections. In fact, breast feeding strengthens immune system of baby, as antibodies are transferred from mother to baby which reduces the chances and severity of all infections.
This blog would give the guidelines of World Health Organization (WHO) regarding breast feeding during Covid 19 epidemic, and will give answers to common questions.
Should standard breast-feeding guidelines be followed?
Yes, they always remain same, even during pandemic. Every mother should follow these guidelines which include, Initiation of breast feeding within an hour of birth, exclusive breast feeding till first six month after which weaning is started and continue breast feeding till 2 years.
What if mother is Asymptomatic?
If test is positive but there are no symptoms, then carefully follow these instructions for next 10 days:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time before nursing. Skin to skin contact with baby is advised while nursing for milk let down reflex and proper latching, BUT, cover your face and mouth with a cloth.
- Clean or disinfect touched surfaces.
- Wash hands specially before and after feeding.
- Avoid touching your face, mouth or eyes after hand washing.
- Maintain a distance of 6 feet from others.
- Practice respiratory hygiene.
If Mother is having symptoms?
If test is positive with symptoms then follow these instructions till fever settles without medicines for at least 3 days:
- If mother is having runny nose, fever, cough then wear medical mask.
- Sneeze and cough in elbow area and immediately discard the used tissue paper and wash hands.
If Mother is unwell?
If mother is unwell or with any complications or is unable to look after her baby then expressed breast milk can be then given to her infant by a healthy person following all the precautions like frequent hand washing before touching the feeders or looking after the baby.
If mother is severely ill?
In very severe complicated cases, breast feeding can be started after a gap interval.
Is there any special care for baby?
Follow routine baby care but keep surfaces around the baby very clean.
Could mother and baby stay in same room?
Yes, they can stay together in a same room, subject to following conditions:
- With caution
- By maintaining a distance
- Covering mouth and nose, and
- Practice frequent hand washing.
Remember, viral illness cause severe fatigue and weakness, increased stress and anxiety and situation worsens if it is accompanied by feeding problems. The solution to all these problems is proper medical care, adequate rest, balanced healthy diet, regular exercise in addition to support and guidance by lactation consultant.
Dr. Ayesha Azam Khan