COVID-19 Has Not Been Detected In Breast Milk – WHO

WHO
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has come out to reveal that the COVID-19 virus has not been detected in breast milk till date and it is unlikely that it can be transmitted through breast milk. WHO Regional Office for Africa in Brazzaville, Congo, shared the information on its official Twitter handle to celebrate World Breastfeeding week.

“Breastfeeding mothers can breastfeed their babies even if they are confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19.’’

Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, in his speech, emphasised the importance of breastfeeding and that mothers with COVID-19 should continue to breastfeed their babies.

“As we have seen again and again, standard public health measures are often the most effective and we are reiterating the importance of breastfeeding, which has lifesaving benefits for babies and families.

At the time of COVID-19, especially when there is disruption to health services, WHO recommends that mothers with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should be encouraged, the same as all other mothers, to initiate or continue to breastfeed.

“Mothers should be counselled that the many benefits of breastfeeding for newborn babies and children substantially outweigh the potential risks for COVID-19 infection. “Mother and infant should be helped to remain together while rooming-in throughout the day and night and to practise skin-to-skin contact.

“They should remain together to practice skin-to-skin contact including kangaroo mothercare, especially immediately after birth and during establishment of breastfeeding, whether they or their infants have suspected or confirmed COVID-19,’’
Photo Credit: Getty

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