Protecting Breastfeeding during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Ritu Cheema1, Elizabeth Partridge1, Laura R Kair2
1Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California.
American Journal of Perinatology
|July 22, 2020
Summary
Mothers with COVID-19 can safely breastfeed their newborns. Breast milk is unlikely to transmit SARS-CoV-2 and may offer protective antibodies, making direct breastfeeding recommended with precautions.
Area of Science:
- Perinatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neonatology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic created uncertainty regarding breastfeeding for mothers with SARS-CoV-2.
- Initial recommendations varied, with some suggesting maternal-infant separation, impacting maternal and infant well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the role of breast milk in SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for breastfeeding mothers with COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on SARS-CoV-2 in breast milk.
- Analysis of reported cases and expert society guidelines.
Main Results:
- Limited evidence suggests SARS-CoV-2 is not efficiently transmitted via breast milk.
- Breast milk may contain protective antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.
- Maternal-infant separation has negative health and emotional consequences.
Conclusions:
- Direct breastfeeding is recommended for mothers with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, with appropriate hygiene precautions.
- Breast milk offers significant nutritional, immunological, and developmental benefits and should not be withheld.
- Shared decision-making between mother and physician is crucial for personalized breastfeeding plans.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:17Transmission-based Precautions I: Contact, Enteric, and Droplets
4.4K
Transmission-based precautions are for patients known to be infected or suspected to be infected or colonized with organisms that pose a significant risk to others. Some transmission-based precautions include contact, enteric, and droplet.
Contact Precautions:
Contact precautions are the measures taken to prevent the transmission of infectious agents, especially epidemiologically important microorganisms such as MRSA or influenza, primarily transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an...
Contact Precautions:
Contact precautions are the measures taken to prevent the transmission of infectious agents, especially epidemiologically important microorganisms such as MRSA or influenza, primarily transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an...
4.4K
01:25Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
1.7K
Transmission-based precautions are for patients infected or suspected to be infected (or colonized) with organisms posing a significant risk to others. The transmission precautions include airborne and protective environment precautions.
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
1.7K
01:26Standard Precaution
2.6K
Standard precautions are the minimum infection control safeguards used while caring for all patients, irrespective of their disease condition. They help prevent the spread of common infectious microorganisms to healthcare workers, patients, and visitors in all healthcare settings.
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
2.6K
01:30Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
3.2K
Nursing management of pneumonia involves promoting airway patency, facilitating rest and conserving energy, encouraging fluid intake, maintaining nutrition, and educating patients.
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed....
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed....
3.2K
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
3.5K
Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
3.5K
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
452
Medical management of tuberculosis (TB) patients involves a comprehensive approach that includes diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. The specific strategies can vary depending on the type of tuberculosis (latent or active), the patient's overall health status, and other considerations.
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the...
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the...
452