During the Covid-19 pandemic, many doubts related to breastfeeding are coming in the mind of every mother. Is it okay to breastfeed your baby even when he has a fever? We have brought the answer to this question.
If you have just given birth to a baby, you may have a million worries in your mind. From child care to the threat of COVID-19, we understand your fears and concerns. You might have been getting different advice from friends and relatives, you might have also taken help of Google.
But we have brought the answers to your questions from the most reliable source.
Is breastfeeding safe during fever? We spoke to Dr. Preeti Bhadauria, Gynecologist and Senior Consultant, at Nayati Medicity Hospital, to answer this question.
If this fever is just due to normal flu
Covid-19 infection is spreading like wildfire. In such a situation, we get scared considering even a mild cold as a sign of coronavirus. It is important to be afraid but not so much that you start considering normal flu as Covid-19. We have to keep in mind that this is the season of viral fever.
Dr. Bhadauria says, “Breast milk contains antibodies, which are enough to protect the baby from flu. Also, breast milk is your baby’s only source of nutrition. If you have common flu, it will not affect your baby, on the contrary, breast milk will protect him from any infection.”
But, what if this fever is due to COVID-19?
Dr Bhadauria explains, “Breast milk protects the child from infection, hence breast milk is very important for the child. “It cannot be subtracted from his diet.”
Also, Covid-19 spreads through respiratory droplets. No guidelines have been issued yet regarding the transfer of coronavirus through breastfeeding.
According to WHO, COVID-19-positive women can breastfeed their children, just take precautions.
Dr. Bhadauria says, “So far there has been no research on the presence of coronavirus in breast milk. But since this disease is new and new information about it is still coming, it is wise to take precautions.”
If you are Covid-19 positive, then consult your gynecologist in this matter.
Take these precautions
Dr. Bhadauria advises, “Coronavirus does not spread through breast milk, but there are many chances of the infection spreading during breastfeeding, so take these precautions.”
1. Wash hands thoroughly with soap before touching the baby.
2. Use a tissue while sneezing and coughing and throw it in the dustbin immediately. Do not use towel or handkerchief. Wash hands every time you sneeze or cough.
3. Avoid touching your face.
4. Before breastfeeding, wash your breasts with soap and water and wipe them with a clean towel.
5. Wear a mask while breastfeeding. Also avoid kissing the baby.
If your health is so bad that you cannot breastfeed, then do this-
- You can get milk from a certified donor from the milk bank.
- You can get the child fed by a healthy woman at home. Keep in mind that the woman should also take all precautions.
- Relactation- Do not breastfeed for a few days after recovery and then resume breastfeeding.