Even though they are positive for Covid-19, breastfeeding mothers can give breast milk to babies

It has been 2 years since the COVID-19 virus infected Indonesia, and it is also known that this virus does not indiscriminately attack anyone, including breastfeeding mothers. Then can nursing mothers who have been confirmed with COVID-19 still be able to breastfeed their babies?

ASI is an important intake which is the main source of food for babies in the first 6 months of life. Breast milk also contains antibodies that function against viruses and bacteria. However, not a few breastfeeding mothers who are confirmed to have COVID-19 are hesitant to give breast milk to their babies for fear of infecting their babies during the breastfeeding process.

In fact, mothers who are confirmed to have COVID-19 can still breastfeed their babies directly while following health protocols. This is supported by various studies which have found that breast milk is not a means of transmission of COVID-19. However, the following must be considered,

1.) Washing hands with soap and running water, cleaning the breast and nipple area and changing clothes before breastfeeding
2.) Use a mask when breastfeeding
3.) Clean objects and cutlery around it with a disinfectant before and after eating
4.) Avoid touching the baby's eyes, nose and mouth
5.) Express breast milk or give formula milk if the mother feels symptoms of COVID-19, cannot breastfeed directly, or is afraid that the risk of transmission is high. During the process of expressing breast milk or giving formula milk, mothers must also maintain health protocols and ensure that the tools and equipment for expressing breast milk and milk bottles are clean.

For mDoc users who wish to consult regarding COVID-19, breastfeeding, or other health problems, they can consult a trusted medical professional through the mDoc by mHealthbank application which can be downloaded on the Playstore and Appstore.