Coronavirus Pandemic: Breastfeeding Guidelines, Precautionary Measures, and Reminders

Several studies have proven the wonders of breastfeeding. Breast milk is not called the golden liquid if it does not mean anything besides precious.

However, the coronavirus pandemic might have caused mothers to be extra cautious in breastfeeding their babies.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and UNICEF believe that breast milk is still the best source of nutrition for newborn babies. That is despite the threats of the coronavirus pandemic.

Also, these organizations are actively campaigning for safe breastfeeding during the coronavirus pandemic. Guidelines and precautionary measures have been released especially now that the world celebrates the World Breastfeeding Week.

Guidelines on breastfeeding during the pandemic

According to the CDC, there are not enough data to say that coronavirus can be transmitted through breast milk. However, the available data says that it is not likely.

Choosing to breastfeed a newborn baby should be a decision made by a mother with the help of her family and healthcare experts.

In case a breastfeeding mother is tested positive for the coronavirus, certain precautions should be in place. That is to ensure that the virus will not be contracted by the newborn baby.

Precautionary measures in breastfeeding during the coronavirus pandemic

It is undeniable that breast milk can do wonders. If mothers who already tested positive for the coronavirus or are exhibiting symptoms of infection, still choose to breastfeed, it is not discouraged.

Nevertheless, health experts suggest that breastfeeding mothers should be extra careful.

To avoid the spread of the coronavirus, breastfeeding mothers should practice the following precautionary measures:

• Before touching the baby, hands should be washed properly with soap and water.
• While breastfeeding the baby, the mother should wear a facemask.
• Even the things that mothers handled that will also be touched by the babies should be clean all the time. Mothers are also advised to wash their hands before touching things like feeding bottles or breast pump.
• Use a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Make sure that the tissue used is disposed of immediately.

According to UNICEF, even though the coronavirus is a life-threatening disease, breastfeeding is still advisable because the benefits brought by breast milk outweigh the potential risk of transmitting the virus.

World Breastfeeding Week 2020

From August 1 until the 7th is the World Breastfeeding Week.

The theme for this year's celebration, according to the World Health Organization is, "Support breastfeeding for a healthier planet."

For this year, WHO and UNICEF would like to ask for the support of the government on breastfeeding causes. One of the most pressing issues that these organizations deem to be very important is the access of all women to skilled breastfeeding counseling.