Merdeka.com – Cases of transmission of COVID-19 have increased again in recent weeks. Corona virus can be transmitted to anyone, regardless of age. From adults, teenagers, children and even babies, all have the same risk of contracting COVID-19.
People infected with the corona virus have various symptoms. People who have mild symptoms will feel like their bodies have the flu. Meanwhile, patients infected with the corona virus with severe symptoms will experience several diseases, such as severe respiratory problems and oxygen saturation of less than 93 percent.
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As a parent, of course you want to protect your child from exposure to COVID-19. Especially if you are a breastfeeding mother. You have to be extra careful to keep yourself and your baby healthy.
Then, what if it turns out that the mother is confirmed to have COVID-19? According to WHO, mothers can still interact and give breast milk to babies because currently there is no research that states that the corona virus can be transmitted through breast milk.
Even so, the possibility of a baby contracting COVID-19 from his mother still exists. Transmission can occur through droplets that may be produced when the mother sneezes or near the baby and touches the baby with unwashed hands.
Therefore, mothers need to pay attention to several things to prevent transmission of the corona virus to babies. The following are 7 things that mothers need to pay attention to when caring for and breastfeeding children.
1. Make sure you wash your hands before touching and feeding your baby.
Washing hands with running water and soap can prevent the transmission of COVID-19. In addition, babies also have sensitive skin, so washing hands can also prevent the transfer of viruses or bacteria to the child’s skin and prevent them from skin diseases.
2. Keep it clean
Keep the room that the baby uses. Clean and sterilize all equipment used by babies on a regular basis. Use a closed trash can to prevent the release of viruses and bacteria.
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3. When breastfeeding, the mother must use PPE, at least wear a mask.
Babies have the right to get breast milk from their mothers. However, mothers must wear masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
4. Practice proper cough etiquette
When sneezing or coughing, the mother should stay away from the baby, cover her mouth and nose, and immediately wash her hands and change the mask. This measure is to minimize the transmission of COVID-19
5. Avoid kissing the baby.
Kissing babies can increase the potential for transmission of COVID-19 to babies through droplets. Therefore, hold yourself to kiss him.
6. Ready Tissue or Wet Tissue
Prepare tissue or wet wipes around you in case a medical mask is not available. you can sneeze and cough into a tissue, throw it away immediately and wash your hands with soap.
7. Wash hands before expressing breast milk.
When expressing breast milk, mothers need to pay attention to personal and environmental hygiene. Wash hands with soap and clean the area around the nipples before pumping breast milk. Then, put the milk in a closed container. Mom also needs to clean the bottle before giving it to the caregiver
If the mother’s condition does not allow her to care for her baby, then another family who is experienced and not infected with COVID-19 can take care of her. Mothers can continue to breastfeed by giving expressed breast milk.
If the mother is still unable to give expressed breast milk, it can be replaced with formula milk. Don’t forget to continue to provide support to mothers so that they can continue to provide optimal breastfeeding. That way, the health of the mother can be maintained and the nutrition of the child is fulfilled.
Reporter: Aulia Fitriana [mgt]
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