Busting breastfeeding during Covid-19 myths
The Department of Health partners with ADSA to raise awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding during the Covid-19 pandemic
World Breastfeeding Week takes place from August 1 to 7.
The Department of Health and its partners, including the Association for Dietetics in South Africa (ADSA), appeal to the country to fully support and encourage breastfeeding mothers who are protecting their babies against many infections, including Covid-19.
Through breastfeeding, mothers protect their baby with a vital source of immune-boosting breast milk and help their babies thrive through close mother-and-child contact.
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Covid-19, pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding
According to ADSA, there is no evidence of Covid-19 transmission through breast milk.
“The World Health Organisation (WHO) cites one study where there was a detection of non-infectious Covid-19 viral RNA in breast milk, and this is definitely not the same thing as finding viable and infective virus,” said ADSA spokesperson Andiswa Ngqaka, who is also a registered dietitian.
“Therefore, there is a unanimous agreement across international health organisations that moms can have complete peace of mind breastfeeding their children through the pandemic, even if they are Covid-19 positive or suspect they might be infected.
“The benefits of skin-to-skin contact with your baby and breastfeeding are overwhelmingly immune-boosting and protective of your baby’s health.”
Lisanne du Plessis, an associate professor at Stellenbosch University and ADSA spokesperson, gives her top five tips for breastfeeding moms during the pandemic:
• Mothers should breastfeed on demand whenever the baby wants to breastfeed, day and night.
• Breastfeed exclusively for six months. Breast milk provides all the food and water babies need during this time and also protects babies against sickness or infection.
• Do not give any other food or liquids to babies, not even water, during the first six months of life. Even during very hot weather, breast milk will satisfy babies’ thirst.
• Giving babies under six months anything other than breast milk will cause them to suckle less, will reduce the amount of breast milk that a mother produces and may make babies sick.
• Practise hygienic measures to protect moms and babies against Covid-19 and other harmful bacteria and viruses in our environments.What precautions should a Covid-19 positive mom take
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The WHO provides the following breastfeeding guidelines if you suspect or know you have Covid-19:
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand rub, especially before touching the baby.
• Wear a medical mask during any contact with the baby, including while feeding.
• Sneeze or cough into a tissue. Dispose of the tissue immediately and wash hands for at least 20 seconds again.
• Routinely clean and disinfect surfaces you have touched.
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