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Breastfeeding and COVID-19: What is known about it?
Breastfeeding is the act that provides all the necessary nutrients to the baby.
Newborns (up to 28 days) and young infants (from 29 days to 11 months and 20 days) are especially favored by it; Even in times when the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be safe, despite certain doubts and rumors.
Why is breastfeeding so important?
In essence, breastfeeding is the fundamental event that the newborn requires to obtain its nutritional requirements.
Although it is a process that can be considered simple, it is not usually carried out in an ideal way. Sometimes it is even suspended without prior notice or without consulting a pediatrician.
Today, the COVID-19 pandemic has unleashed a wave of rumors and doubts regarding nursing mothers. According to the Healthy Children program of the American Academy of Pediatrics, it continues to be safe.
There is no conclusive evidence to prove that it is affected by the contagion or the presence of the virus.
On the contrary, with each passing day more news about breastfeeding is revealed. It is important, not only nutritionally, but also because it strengthens and stimulates the infant's immune system.
It also provides other essential immune, antioxidant and hormonal factors.
On the other hand, it lays the foundations for the baby's psychosocial and psychomotor development. In this way, diseases or pathologies present in growth are drastically reduced, guaranteeing maximum well-being.
Data Supporting Breastfeeding in Times of COVID-19
The skepticism around the pandemic and all that it entails has been clouding the judgment of the population.
Since the dawn of this health situation, many are the conspiracy theories, rumors, yellows and false information disclosed. In this sense, breastfeeding has not been excluded from this problem, when in reality it has arguments that support it:
AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics)
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that breastfeeding continues and will remain safe even in times of pandemic.
As already mentioned, there is no substantial evidence to argue against. Therefore, mothers are fully empowered to breastfeed their baby.
CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
In the case of the CDC or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the only recommendation is the use of a mask.
Every mother infected or with the active virus is not at risk of infecting her baby through breastfeeding. In retrospect, the use of the correct and clean mask will contribute to preventing the transmission of the disease.
WHO (World Health Organization)
The highest global health entity has also spoken out on the issue. In fact, he has emphasized that breastfeeding and COVID-19 are not directly related or influential.
In other words, the notion that the baby will not be infected by taking from the mother's breast is also strengthened.
Vaccination is not a risk factor either
Another controversy is the one that revolves around vaccination against coronavirus disease.
At present, there is evidence of a whole debate for and against the placement of immunization. In this sense, it is relevant to clarify that the placement of the vaccine does not affect breastfeeding at all.
In the absence of symptoms of COVID-19 and if you have already received the appropriate immunization schedule, you can proceed to breastfeed. It is a first that is supported by the previously named organizations, as well as others such as UNICEF.
If you are already breastfeeding and are ready to receive the vaccine, it is not an exponential risk for the baby either. Recent studies endorsed by the AAP, conclude that vaccine components are present in breast milk.
Thanks to this, the infant will benefit, although to a lesser extent, against a possible contagion.
In conclusion, official and scientifically proven research does not associate adverse effects of vaccination for breastfeeding. At all times, safety will come first for both mother and baby.
Discover the maximum benefits of breastfeeding in times of COVID-19
1. Although it is not yet proven that breastfeeding protects against coronavirus disease directly, it does protect against other infections. Provides the corresponding immune factors for the protection of the baby.
2. It is a cyclical process that is also beneficial for the mother. It is regulated by a series of specific hormones that, in general, produce favorable effects in the maternal organism, reducing, for example, stress levels.
3. Economically, it does not represent a large expense, since it is free. It is at your fingertips and, well executed, it is more advantageous in every way than any other product.
4. In another vein, the percentage of premature deaths in the newborn decreases. At the same time, it prevents the causes of important diseases and other common comorbidities.
Nor should the precautions and measures for the prevention of COVID-19 be forgotten.
Hygiene, isolation plus the use of a mask are the main guidelines to avoid suffering from the disease. In the same way, consultation with specialists in the field will help to cope with the process excellently.
