UAE doctors reiterate the need to breastfeed babies even amid Covid-19

Mothers giving birth amid the Covid-19 pandemic may feel unprepared to nurse their newborns, but doctors in the UAE have stressed that breastfeeding babies within the first hour of birth is important in keeping them healthy.
As the UAE marked World Breastfeeding Week, held every year from August 1 to 7, specialists have explained that the benefits of breastfeeding "substantially outweigh" the risks of Covid-19 infection for the baby.
Dr Rosalyn Karlsson, obstetrics and gynaecology specialist at Medcare Medical Centre, said: "The recommendation of the World Health Organisation (WHO) is to encourage the initiation or continuation of breastfeeding among mothers with suspected or confirmed Covid-19. The benefits of breastfeeding substantially outweigh the potential risks of transmission."
Currently, no solid evidence can prove that the virus can be transmitted through breast milk, the medics added.
Dr Ann Mini Mathew, specialist gynaecologist at Aster Hospital, Mankhool, said: "With the data available so far, there is no contra-indication for breastfeeding by Covid-19-positive mothers. The Covid-19 virus is not transmitted through breast milk.
"But there still remains a possibility that the mother may infect the baby only if proper Covid-19 safety protocols are not followed. The skin-to-skin contact in the labour room is avoided since there can be aerosol particles. However, once the mother gets back to her room and she is well enough, she can breastfeed."
A face mask must be worn and proper hand hygiene must be maintained, she added. "If she is not in a position to breastfeed, then the breast milk can be pumped and given to the baby. The babies who need neonatal intensive care can be fed with expressed breast milk."
Breast milk is packed with powerful disease-fighting proteins, dubbed antibodies, which can help babies fight viral infections, doctors explained. Colostrum, in particular, boosts the immunity of a newborn.
Dr Karlsson said: "Breastfeeding is of utmost importance in infant and young child survival, nutrition and development. Practices associated with breastfeeding, such as early and uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact, rooming-in and kangaroo mother care, significantly improve neonatal survival and reduce morbidity."
At the same time, breastfeeding is a healthy practice for new mothers as it helps in post-partum recovery, reduces the risk of cancer, helps burn calories, stimulates the uterus to return to its normal size, and creates an emotional bonding with newborns.
Dr Khushbu Verma, paediatrician at Right Health clinic in Al Khail Gate, said: "Every mother should be counselled to take precautions while breastfeeding her child." The breastfeeding process should be determined by the mother in coordination with her family and healthcare providers.
nandini@khaleejtimes.com