Doctor says it is safe for moms to breastfeed even w/ crisis

Lactating mothers should continue breastfeeding even with the health protocols being implemented by the government.
Dr. Eleanor Cuarte, a pediatrician at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, has assured it is safe to breastfeed even with the physical distancing health protocol.
In a press conference last Aug. 13, Cuarte said she has been receiving feedback from some mothers who were apprehensive in breastfeeding for fear that they might infect their baby.
“Breastfeeding is a challenge because of the (Covid-19) situation, and their fear that their child might be exposed is valid,” Cuarte said but stressed that this should not deter mothers from breastfeeding.
Cuarte said even mothers who are suspected of having Covid-19 may continue breastfeeding as long as they wear a mask and sanitize their hands.
“Based on current evidence, mababa ang risk of infection sa mga babies,” Cuarte said.
At BGHMC, she said the hospital continues to observe the practice of letting a newborn stay with the mother. She said in the event that a mother is found positive of Covid-19 and if the attending physician decides to separate mother and child, breastmilk coming from the hospital’s milk bank will still be given to the infant.
Department of Health Nutritionist-Dietician IV Candice Salingbay also said that even with the presence of a potent virus in our midst, breastmilk remain a natural and effective immune booster for babies.
She said recent studies have shown that the virus causing Covid-19 has not been detected in breastmilk. “Ituloy ang pagpapasuso,” she said. – Rimaliza A. Opiña