With concerns raised over spreading of coronavirus through breast milk, the World Health Organisation and UNICEF along with other agencies have once again clarified that active coronavirus has not been detected in breastmilk of any mother with confirmed or suspected COVID-19.
They said that it was unlikely that coronavirus would be transmitted through breastfeeding or by giving breastmilk by a mother who is confirmed or suspected to have the virus.
Women with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 can breastfeed if they wish to do so by following these;
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water before touch the baby
- Use alcohol-based hand rub before having any contact with the baby.
- Wear medical mask during any contact with the baby, including feeding
- Use tissue while sneezing or coughing. After the use, dispose of it immediately and wash hands again
- Routinely clean and disinfect surfaces after touching them.
- Even if mothers do not have a medical mask, they should follow all the other infection prevention measures listed, and continue breastfeeding.
