Being pregnant or already a parent to a newly born? We can understand how worrisome it can be. Especially considering the on-going deadly outbreak due to the COVID-19. The well-being and the safety of the newborn during this crisis can be a lot riskier if not taken precautions carefully. Some recent studies have given some clarity on the safety of pregnant and new mothers. It suggest that there’s been no transmission of the virus from the mother to the fetus in the womb. According to the World Health Organisation, even if a pregnant lady or a mother gets infected with the COVID019, not necessary that the baby would suffer from the same.
A new mother can continue breastfeeding the child along with extra precautions, such as wearing a mask. Breast milk holds benefits for the newborns. It helps to build their immune system and protects them against viruses and germs. It helps in transmitting antibodies to the body while increasing immunoglobulins-a special protein that helps to fight against antigens. So far experts have declared breast milk to be safe and most importantly free from the virus for a baby’s consumption. By no means, one must stop feeding the baby. If you happen to be a new mother with the infection, you can use a breast pump for collecting the breast milk to feed the baby through someone else’s hand.
Other families with no record of infection so far must maintain social distancing and self-isolation with the new mother and her baby. Restrict family remembers from visiting the newly born, and touching them. One must also not hiring any new helper such as maids, nurses for the baby in the house or hospital.
Keep on sanitizing all the clothes and products of the newly born baby after and before use. It is also advised to get your baby’s routine checkup done online or through telephone. Only if it’s an emergency, consider visiting the doctor in-person with your newborn. One must not crowd around the baby. Religious and community-based rituals of welcoming a new baby can be arranged lately once the situation cools down.
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