The World Health Organisation and its sister agency, UNICEF, have encouraged women to continue to breastfeed during the pandemic, even if they have confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection. According to them, active COVID-19 virus has not, to date, been detected in the breast milk of any mother with confirmed or suspected COVID-19.
On Wednesday, the UN Agency, released a statement via its website saying that COVID-19 would not be likely transmitted through breastfeeding due yo evidence
According to WHO, UNICEF, and the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) countries are not properly stopping the harmful promotion of breast-milk substitutes. They noted that most companies are beginning to take advantage of the pandemic to push their products to the market and that breastfeeding is under threat.
“The numerous benefits of breastfeeding substantially outweigh the potential risks of illness associated with the virus,” the authors find.
Breast milk saves children’s lives by providing antibodies that give them a healthy boost and protect them against many childhood illnesses.
Some female patients had due to fear stopped breastfeeding which resulted in the use of breast milk substitutes.
Breast milk is the only accepted food recommended for infants for the first six months of their lives.
The agencies lamented that breastfeeding is under threat as health systems are stretched thin.
WHO also said the pandemic is having a negative effect on the health care services aimed at supporting mothers to breastfeed, including counselling and skilled lactation.
The Agencies have called on governments to urgently strengthen the legislation on the ban of all breast milk substitutes during the COVID-19 pandemic, including donations of breast milk substitutes in emergency situations.
The Code bans all forms of breast-milk substitutes promotion, including advertising, gifts to health workers and distribution of free samples. Labels must carry messages about the superiority of breastfeeding over formula and the risks of not breastfeeding.
There were some guidelines released for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 mothers who want to breastfeed their babies were also released. They include:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand rub especially before touching the baby;
- Always wear a medical mask during any contact with the baby, including while feeding;
- Sneeze or cough into a tissue. Then dispose immediately and wash hands again;
- Regularly cean and disinfect surfaces after touching them.
Mothers are to follow the prevention measures listed, and should continue breastfeeding.
Reference: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/coronavirus/394992-who-unicef-urge-mothers-to-sustain-breastfeeding-despite-covid-19-fears.html
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