It is undeniable that the current pandemic causes unrest for most people. Knowing that the COVID-19 virus had spread quite rapidly, people decided to limit contact with the surrounding environment. Not only the general public, many pregnant mothers are also worried, especially those who have tested positive for COVID-19. The question of whether the disease can be transmitted to their baby is also a major concern.

Several paediatric and health organisations had released guidelines for pregnant women with COVID-19. One of the points listed was separating the mother from the newborn during the treatment period. The regulation also does not recommend that the mother breastfeed as long as she is still tested positive for COVID-19. But you don't need to worry, these guidelines were created before there was data showing the rate of mother-to-child transmission of the disease. The results of a study published in the JAMA Pediatric journal recently showed that COVID-19 infection is rarely transmitted from mother to baby.

These results were obtained after analysing 101 newborn babies of mothers with COVID-19 from 13 March - 24 April 2020. After birth, the hospital continued to follow the previous guidelines, where the baby would be placed in the same room as the mother and allowed to breastfeed. During the follow-up period (the first two weeks since birth), it was noted that only two babies tested positive for COVID-19 while the others remained healthy.

Due to the risk of infection, health protocols are still followed both during labor and after. Each nurse applies social distancing and uses a mask during the delivery process. In addition, mothers are also asked to apply health protocols by washing their hands and wearing masks when they are about to breastfeed their children. As we know, breast milk can improve the baby's overall health, thanks to the antibody content. Improving the baby's immune system can reduce the risk of various health problems, including COVID-19 infection.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Pixabay

Source(s):

• Dumitriu, D., Emeruwa, UN.,Hanft, E., et al (2020). Outcomes of Neonates Born to Mothers With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection at a Large Medical Center in New York City. JAMA Pediatrics, DOI: 10.1001 / jamapediatrics.2020.4298.
• Science Daily - Very low risk to newborns from mom with COVID-19, finds study (2020). https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/10/201012120000.htm, 13 October 2020.