Epidemiologists and health experts are still learning about the virus and updates are being released daily until the completion of a proper vaccine that can be distributed worldwide. In this uncertain time, there are groups of people who are more at risk to outbreaks. This vulnerable sector includes pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Having a baby nowadays is made even more challenging by the global pandemic. You cannot attend breastfeeding classes because gatherings are discouraged. Lactation consultants may only be able to meet you online. You cannot easily go out and buy food and supplements to assist in milk production. And finally, if you are a nursing mother, there is always the nagging fear about getting your baby infected through direct contact and breastfeeding.
Breast milk remains as the best nutrition source of babies all over the world. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the transmission of the Covid-19 virus to infants via breast milk is still highly unlikely, given the lack of available data proving so. Even if the mother is infected, she is still encouraged to breastfeed her baby, subject to the coordination with her healthcare provider and/or family members, and compliance with health protocols. After all, health experts insist that the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the risks of Covid-19.
So if you are a nursing mom during this time, what can you do to make sure that you and your baby are healthy and safe?
Practice good hygiene
When it comes to feeding time with your baby, your good hygiene practices must be impeccable. Follow the following basic protocols when feeding your child:
• Wear a mask if you are feeding your baby. If you are a work-from-home employee or a full-time stay-at-home mother, you can breastfeed without a mask. But this is an important thing to do especially if you are reporting to work daily and you are in contact with other people outside your home.
• Clean your hands with soap and water before and after feeding time. Remember that the virus can be spread through droplets. If you touched an infected surface or the hands of an infected person, you may risk transmitting the illness to your baby. Always clean your hands before handling your young one. This simple step can mean everything when it comes to Covid-19 prevention.
• Disinfect surfaces regularly. Make it a habit to wipe frequently touched objects in your home. Door knobs, flush handles, refrigerator doors, baby toys, milk bottles, stair handles, and tables are examples of high-touch surfaces that must be disinfected often. You can leave alcohol or disinfectant sprays near these areas so that you will always be reminded to clean these surfaces up now and then. For baby toys and milk bottles, make sure to store them away properly after sanitizing and sterilizing.
Make use of feeding bottles, spoons, or cups
If you suffer cough, flu, or shortness of breath, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
If you are too sick to breastfeed, it is still not a reason to stop giving breast milk to your infant. What you can hand-express your milk or use a breast pump to ensure a steady supply of food for your baby. The good thing about breast milk is it is very easy to store to be used for later. You can freeze breast milk in bags and thaw it when your baby needs it. Ask a healthy member of your family to do the feeding if you are ill. You can transfer the expressed milk to infant milk bottles or use a spoon or cup to feed your child. Always remind the family member to practice proper hygiene before handling the kid.
Follow a self-care regimen to assure milk supply
If there is one thing that can affect your breast milk supply, it is stress. The anxiety brought about by the threat of the novel coronavirus is bad enough, but as a nursing mother, you must try your best to ensure your safety and that of your baby’s. Try the following self-care tips as your wellness regimen:
• Eat nutritious food. Fenugreek, barley, oats and other whole grains, brewer’s yeast, papaya, sesame seeds, and red beets are just some foods with the potential to increase your breast milk supply. Incorporate these foods to your dishes or snacks for healthy treats that can boost your productivity at the same time.
• Stay active. Do a 30-minute brisk walk or jog every morning. Exercise can improve your blood circulation, strengthen bones and muscles, and release happy hormones that will keep stressful thoughts at bay.
• Take a rest. Remember, stress and anxiety may cause a change in your milk production. Rest when you can and let your body replenish and restore.
• Connect with others. Try joining online support groups for lactating moms. Communicate with close friends. If you are having difficulty breastfeeding, contact a local lactation consultant. Seek help when you need it and do not carry the burden by yourself.
Mothers may feel isolated nowadays. But even if you are staying at home and you need professional medical help, there are several online doctors from walk in clinic Hamilton centers or online healthcare providers that you can consult.