Breast milk is the ideal and natural first food for babies for it provides essential nutrients and antibodies which can help protect against many common childhood illnesses. With this, the practice of breastfeeding is considered as one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival. However, when COVID-19 surfaced, the practice of breastfeeding was challenged. Concerns have been raised, with the most common question being: Can COVID-19 be passed through breastfeeding?
Based from releases by the Department of Health (DOH) anchoring on World Health Organization’s advisories, it was revealed that the transmission of active COVID-19 virus through breast milk and breastfeeding has not been detected to date. The answer is clear here, there is no reason to stop or avoid breastfeeding, especially during the COVID-19 crisis.
The benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the potential risks and transmission of COVID-19. Breastfeeding has numerous outcomes including lifelong health advantages and in the infant’s growth and development. Experts clarify that women who are suspected or confirmed with COVID-19 should continue to breastfeed, given that they follow basic hygiene, including: a) frequent washing of hands with soap and water, or using alcohol-based sanitizer before being in contact with the baby; b) wearing of medical mask whenever in contact, especially when feeding; c) proper disposal of tissue used when coughing or sneezing and immediately washing hands; and d) routine cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces around the house. In the case that the mother is too unwell to breastfeed, other methods such as breastmilk expression or use of donor human milk is advised.
The NNC MIMAROPA Region joins in the celebration of National Breastfeeding Awareness Month this August pursuant to Republic Act (RA) 10028 otherwise known as “Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009”. This year’s theme “Breastfeeding TSEk: (Tama, Sapat at Eksklusibo!)I-BIDA ang pagpapasuso tungo sa wais at malusog na pamayanan!’’aims to strengthen the advocacy on exclusive breastfeeding and disseminate its benefits not only for the baby and breastfeeding mothers, but also for the community as well, especially in this time of pandemic. (AVETPatriarca)
