Damascus-Sana
Breastfeeding contributes to strengthening the child's immune system and the safety of its development and protection from diseases, which requires mothers to ensure breastfeeding their children from their natural milk, according to the head of the Department of Reproductive Health at the Ministry of Health Dr. Reem Dahman.
On the importance of the mother continuing to breastfeed her child during the period of the spread of the Corona epidemic, Dr. Dahman emphasized that there is no objection to breastfeeding during this period because studies have shown that the Corona virus does not pass to the child through the mother's milk even if she is infected with it, pointing to a set of recommendations that must be The mother adheres to it during the breastfeeding process, most notably washing hands well with soap and water for a sufficient period, washing the nipple, sterilizing the surrounding area, and wearing a muzzle during breastfeeding.
Dr. Dahman pointed out that if the mother is infected with Corona virus and her health condition does not allow breastfeeding her child, she can empty her milk in a sterile cup and provide it to the child with the spoon through another person, stressing the commitment to breastfeeding the child as much as possible and avoiding artificial feeding because the child’s habitual dependence on the latter during a period It prevents him from returning to breastfeeding later, and discontinuing breastfeeding leads to drying up of breast milk.
Dr. Dahman pointed out the possibility of providing auxiliary foods for the child besides breastfeeding if he is over the age of six months, indicating the importance of natural breast milk for the antibodies it provides that protect the child's body and serve as the primary vaccine for him and gives him strong immunity.
Dr. Dahman advised to adhere to preventive measures for mothers during the breastfeeding period even if they were not infected with the virus to ensure the safety of their children from any viral or bacterial infection in general, noting that pregnant women should also adhere to preventive measures and not leaving the house except for necessity and to avoid crowding, wearing masks, continuous sterilization and washing Hands, even if studies have shown that the Corona virus does not spread from an infected pregnant woman to a fetus.