A specialist in gynecology and obstetrics at Danet Emirates Hospital in Abu Dhabi, Lara Al-Qusayr, stressed the importance of continuing to provide breastfeeding for newborn babies, because it has many ill benefits for the child as it provides him with the food and immune materials he needs in the first months of his life, in addition to protecting the mother from infection Breast cancer and osteoporosis, indicating the need for mothers to take a number of precautionary measures if they suspect they are infected with the emerging coronavirus, so they do not pass the infection on to their children.
Al-Qusayr said: “Currently, with the presence of the new Corona virus (Covid 19), there is concern among many mothers, and fears of infecting children with the virus during breastfeeding if the mother is infected without knowing,” noting that all studies have proven that breast milk is not It transmits infection with the Coronavirus, and there is no danger to the child, and in the event that the mother is committed to staying in the council and does not have any contact with any person who is pregnant with the infection, and she does not show any symptoms, she is fine and can complete breastfeeding normally.
She added: "In the event that the mother is infected or suspected of having" Covid-19 "we advise her to suck her milk through the industrial pump, and give it to the child in a" feeding bottle "through the child's father or one of the family members who are not infected, because the infection is possible It is transmitted to the child through direct contact, or through respiratory secretions.
Al-Qusayr stressed the necessity of adhering to preventive and precautionary measures during the aspiration process, which include washing and sterilizing hands, putting a medical mask on the face, and avoiding sneezing and coughing directly on the "industrial pump" device.
She stressed that if the mother suspected or confirmed the infection of the infants or young children with the virus, she should seek advice on breastfeeding, basic psychosocial support, or practical nutrition support, in order to obtain support from health care professionals Appropriately trained and also breastfeeding counselors.
Al-Qusayr has identified four measures that nursing mothers should take to protect their children from developing corona, including respiratory hygiene, “wearing a medical mask if the mother suffers from respiratory symptoms, washing hands thoroughly with soap or disinfectant before and after contact with the child, and cleaning and disinfection of any surfaces that can be touched, In addition to using a "range hood" in the event that there is something to prevent her from taking care of her baby or continuing direct breastfeeding.