What are the implications of keeping babies away from their mothers and not providing them with a breastfeeding routine? The risks of isolation in the newborns is being studied during the current pandemic to reiterate the importance of breast milk and maternal bonding in early life.

Research shows that breastfeeding is, undoubtedly, the most effective and safest nutrition for babies. But what if the mother is unwell? In such situations, there are mandatory precautions to be followed, in order to avoid harmful transmissions through breast milk to the young ones. Today, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, this discussion assumes all the more significance.

Table of Contents

Scientifically speaking

Breast milk has been proven unequivocally to be the most powerful source of immunological important antibodies, nutrition and hydration for newborns. Studies also establish how breastfeeding helps new mothers to develop a bond with their babies, which in turn ensures continuous secretion of breast milk. The care and concern for their young ones helps build a sense of protection and assurance in babies that their mothers will provide them with constant nourishment.

Breastfeeding benefits for the baby include improved immunity, resulting in reduction in common infections, such as ear infections, diarrheal diseases, bacterial and viral infections. In fact, breast milk significantly reduces the risks of childhood acute leukemia, by up to 21 per cent.

The practice is extremely beneficial for mothers too. Firstly, the hormonal changes allow an early involution of the uterus, which normally stretches to accommodate the baby bulge during pregnancy, back to normal size, consequently reducing the risk of obesity. It also offers a natural contraception method, especially during the first six months post-delivery, allowing mothers to have sufficient time to regain their balance of nutrients and micronutrients before a planned future pregnancy.

Research shows that breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer – by up to 32 per cent, especially if the mothers carry BRCA1 mutation, with even better protection if breastfeeding is continued for over a year – and ovarian cancer – by up to two per cent. The reduction in risks is imperative, especially when mothers complete their general lactation phase of exclusive breastfeeding for six months, without significant interruptions, followed by consequent reduction of feeds per day for up to two years post-delivery.

Pandemic dilemmas

Is breastfeeding safe when the mother is tested positive for COVID-19? Will the child be exposed to unnecessary risks? Global research over the last few months have attempted to understand the implications of keeping babies away from their mothers, not providing them with a breastfeeding routine, and the risks of isolation at physical and psychological levels in newborns.

The general consensus from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and national guidelines are unanimous that continued breastfeeding ensures essential nutrition for the babies, while establishing early human bonds. If the mother is tested positive for COVID-19, it’s important to follow proper guidelines, use designated masks during feeding (especially with the right technique), along with the mandatory hand hygiene and other measures while handling the baby.

It’s recommended to keep the baby away from the mother thereafter till the next feeding period, either in the same room or an adjacent room (with the COVID-19 negative father or other known relative or a nurse). Also, the routine testing of babies for COVID-19 is not mandatory, unless the mother is tested positive for the infection, and/ requires ICU management. In certain cases, even if the mother has tested negative for COVID-19, if there is a history of recent positive status or known exposure to a close relative who has tested positive, it’s prudent to get the baby tested. Symptoms of respiratory tract infection, like breathlessness with or without upper respiratory signs, should not be ignored.

All in all, caution is key. The benefits of breastfeeding far outweigh the risks, if any, in the case of most infants and their mothers. However, it’s best to talk to your pediatrician about any concerns, even if they may seem minor.

(The author is a Pediatrician, Oyster Multispeciality Clinic, & Clinical Director RTWO healthcare Solutions, Bengaluru, India and member of First Check.)