Do not wait for the symptoms to progress to get help; even a mild fever can pose serious risks to the mother and the unborn baby. An early diagnosis can pave the way for the best and most effective course of treatment.
Let your doctor know if you have been in contact, or have been exposed to an infected person.
Can I still breastfeed my newborn if I am infected?
Mothers are encouraged to breastfeed their baby even if infected with COVID-19, while taking necessary precautions. In the event of being too sick to breastfeed, you may express the milk via breastpumps. Photo: iStock
Breastmilk contains a myriad of defences and antibodies that an infant can benefit from. Based on breastmilk being a very insignificant route of transmission in other similar respiratory illnesses, and taking into account the benefits of breastfeeding, the UNICEF reported that mothers “can continue breastfeeding their children while applying all the necessary precautions” to avoid transmission of the illness.
Always wear a mask when you are in close contact with the infant – even during feeding – and wash your hands thoroughly before and after contact with the baby, and disinfect surfaces that have been exposed. It is ideal to swaddle the baby and change the wrap after every feed, if possible.
If you are too sick to directly breastfeed the infant, however, you may express milk, while following the same infection prevention methods and have someone feed your infant using a clean cup, spoon, or bottle. If expressing breast milk with a manual or electric breast pump, wash your hands before touching the pump or bottle parts, and clean/disinfect pump parts thoroughly after use.