Just the thought of “COVID-19” can make you feel queasy and worried at the same time. If you’re a Pregnant Mum or Breastfeeding Mum, we understand if your main concern is the possibility of spreading this particular virus to your baby.
Here we cover some of the major concerns of Pregnant & Breastfeeding Mums.
The answer is: NO. However, it is important to maintain physical distancing and safe practices at all times.
So far, there is no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 can be transmitted from a mother to her baby
Both mother and baby may be temporarily separated depending on medical advice. Once the mother’s health improves, she will be allowed to care for her baby.
Yes, breast milk is essential for baby’s development and provides protection against many illnesses. Besides that, there is no evidence to prove that the virus can spread through breast milk.
Direct breastfeeding is possible subject to medical advice and by applying all necessary precautions including washing hands and wearing a face mask before holding onto baby.
If medical advice is against direct breastfeeding, the mother may express her breast milk using a breast pump to build and maintain milk supply.
According to UNICEF and various health authorities and agencies such as World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM), breastfeeding is the safest, most reliable method of infant feeding in an emergency.
How to stop them from scratching
Telling them to stop, is easier said than done. Fortunately, there are other methods that you can adopt.
Here are some tips to help your child avoid scratching.
PROTECTING OURSELVES FROM COVID-19
Although vaccines for COVID-19 are rolling out at this very moment, it is imperative that we remain cautious and vigilant in order to protect ourselves against the virus.
What you can do:-
- Avoid going out unnecessarily.
- If you have to go out, avoid crowded places.
- If you can’t avoid crowded places such as supermarket, practice social distancing (stand at least 1 metre apart).
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitiser.
- Avoid direct contact such as shaking hands, hugging or kissing.
- Wear a face mask.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects such as phones, tables, doors and electrical switches.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
…if you don’t feel well or display any symptoms.
These tips were extracted from Medela. If you are interested to find out more, click here.
