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Breastfeeding when the coronavirus is threatened can be of much concern. However, breast milk is extremely important for a baby’s development and for strengthening its immunity. According to the recommendations of world health organizations, breastfeeding is recommended not only in healthy women, but also in those infected with the coronavirus. However, the most important thing is to follow the rules of hygiene. What to pay special attention to?
Close contact with the mother and the ingredients in milk are fundamental to the proper development of the baby. In newborns, only innate immunity is developed, and antibodies are delivered to the body through the mother’s milk. For this reason, breastfeeding is extremely important as it is a source of protection for your baby against all infections and diseases. How does this relate to the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus?
- Read also: You give them to your baby every day. How to choose the best one to strengthen its immunity?
The dangers of COVID-19 have still not been thoroughly researched and our knowledge of the coronavirus is limited. According to the information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), previous reports do not indicate that there are coronaviruses in the milk of women with COVID-19. Still, there is a risk that a woman with COVID-19 can transmit the virus by airborne droplets. Hence the need for particularly careful observance of the rules of hygiene by sick and suspected women, but also by healthy women.
Feeding with breast milk strengthens the baby’s immunity
The importance of breast milk for a child’s development is significant, so it is recommended that you breastfeed or express milk even when you are at risk of COVID-19 disease. One of its key ingredients for a child is secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), which provides passive resistance to antigens, limiting the possibility of pathogens to adhere to mucous membranes, e.g. respiratory system.
Also important is lactoferrin, which binds iron, thus limiting the expansion of microorganisms, or oligosaccharides enabling the development of beneficial microorganisms in the digestive system. Along with the mother’s milk, the baby also receives free fatty acids with antiviral and antibacterial properties, lysozyme that strengthens the sIgA effect and destroys bacterial cells, as well as macrophages that absorb and kill microorganisms. The development of the child’s immune system is also possible thanks to the commensal bacteria, vitamin A and vitamin C contained in the mother’s milk and found in the intestines.
Read more:
- Medical benefits of breastfeeding
- Microscopic tenants of our bodies
How to breastfeed against COVID-19?
Breastfeeding women should exercise extreme caution when at risk of becoming infected with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. It is important to limit interpersonal contacts only to healthy household members, and to take care of the cleanliness of your and your child’s hands, especially in the case of contact with other people, objects and surfaces. It is important to wash and disinfect your hands before and after each contact with your baby.
If a breastfeeding woman notices herself disease symptomse.g. cough, runny nose, low-grade fever or fever, sore throat, muscle soreness or shortness of breath, it is necessary to seek medical advice. In the current situation, in order to contact a doctor, you should use the telemedicine offer, which allows you to visit a doctor without leaving your home. If we have doubts about how to proceed in our case, we can also call XNUMX/XNUMX NFZ helpline (800 190 590), where information on the coronavirus is provided.
Women with suspected coronavirus infection or with whom COVID-19 has been confirmed can continue to breastfeed or express milk. The main WHO recommendation in such a situation is:
- washing hands before touching the baby and afterwards;
- following the rules related to the respiratory system during feeding (e.g. covering the mouth and nose with a bent elbow or a handkerchief when coughing or sneezing);
- wearing a protective mask while feeding;
- preventive cleaning and disinfection of surfaces that come into contact with the COVID-19 mother.
Have a question about the coronavirus? Send them to the following address: [email protected]. You will find a daily updated list of answers HERE: Coronavirus – frequently asked questions and answers.
Editors recommend:
- Coronavirus and pregnant women. What is the risk of infection and how can I protect myself?
- Coronavirus in Poland. What are pregnant women to do: see a doctor or postpone visits?
- Coronavirus, cesarean section, sepsis. Conversation with the gynecologist