COVID-19 nursing mothers can still breastfeed – Expert

A Nigerian pediatrician, Dr. Rose Ameh says breastfeeding mothers with the COVID-19 virus can continue breastfeeding their babies, because breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact are beneficial for both baby and mother.

Ameh told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja that breastfeeding offer variety of health benefits not only to an infant but also to a young mother.

According to her, “Breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contacts are beneficial for both baby and mother as it improves babies survival, enhances brain development and reduce the risk of serious illness and death.

“These benefits substantially outweigh the risks posed by COVID-19.

“Breastfeeding helps the mother to return to her pre-pregnancy weight and reduces the risk of developing breast, ovarian and uterus cancer.

“It also lowers the risk of developing type-II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and post-menopausal osteoporosis in future.

“Coronavirus, is yet to be found in breast milk. However, if you have COVID-19, you might spread the virus to your infant through tiny droplets that spread when you talk, cough or sneeze,’’Ameh said.

She also said it is important mother take precautions by avoiding close face-to-face contact with infants, nor sneeze or cough directly but do that in a trash or a tissue.