Guiding principles for immunization activities during the COVID-19 pandemic
May 9, 2020
Training Manual for Appropriate Umbilical Cord Care in Newborns
May 29, 2020
This document is intended to provide technical guidance to members and other health care workers involved with managing breastfeeding of newborns in the era of COVID-19 pandemic. It is not intended to replace clinical judgement in each individual context.
The Paediatric Society of Ghana recommends breast milk as the best feeding option of newborns. We should therefore make every effort to create the enabling environment for mothers to breastfeed successfully.
BREASTFEEDING WHILE ENSURING COVID-19 SAFETY
Close contact with mother and early, exclusive breastfeeding help a baby thrive
Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most infants
Data available suggest that breastmilk is not likely to be a source of transmission
Support mother with COVID-19 to breastfeed safely
Mother with COVID-19 can hold baby skin-to-skin and share a room with the baby
WOMEN WHO WISH TO BREASTFEED SHOULD TAKE THESE PRECAUTIONS
Practice respiratory hygiene and wear a mask
Wash hands thoroughly with soap under running water before and after touching the baby
IF A BREAST PUMP IS USED
The pump should be disassembled and washed thoroughly after each use
Clean the parts that come into contact with milk with soap and water
Rinse under running water
Dry thoroughly and store for re-use
WHEN MOTHER WITH COVID-19 IS TOO ILL TO BREASTFEED
She can be supported to safely provide her baby with breast milk by
Expressing breastmilk
Re-lactation (restarting breastfeeding after a gap)
Wet nursing (another woman breastfeeding or caring for the child)
IMPORTANT: Mother should be encouraged to choose based on what is acceptable to her and the cultural setting
INFANT FEEDING GUIDELINES
Initiate breastfeeding within 1 hour of the birth
Continue exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, then introduce adequate and safe complementary foods at
age 6 months
Continue breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond
http://who.int/nutrition/nutrition-infocus/breastfeeding-advice-during-covid-19-outbreak
