WHO, UNICEF urge mothers to sustain breastfeeding despite COVID-19 fears
The World Health Organisation and its sister agency, UNICEF, have encouraged women to continue to breastfeed during the pandemic, even if they have confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection.
The new report released by WHO, UNICEF, and the International Baby Food Action Network reveals that despite efforts to stop the harmful promotion of breast-milk substitutes, countries are still falling short in protecting parents from misleading information. Breastmilk saves children’s lives as it provides antibodies that give them a healthy boost and protect them against many childhood illnesses.
“Women with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 can therefore breastfeed if they wish to do so,” they stated.The agencies lamented that breastfeeding is under threat as health systems are stretched thin. WHO also said the pandemic is having a negative effect on the health care services aimed at supporting mothers to breastfeed, including counselling and skilled lactation.
Patti Rundall, of IBFAN’s Global Council, said the fear of COVID-19 transmission is eclipsing the importance of breastfeeding – and in too many countries mothers and babies are being separated at birth – making breastfeeding and skin to skin contact difficult if not impossible. All on the basis of no evidence, he said.
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