NEW YORK: Moms with COVID-19 who take basic precautions rarely pass the new coronavirus to their newborns, even if they are breastfeeding, according to a new study that says broader measures such as separating mothers may not be warranted infected from their babies. The research, published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, examined the results of the first 101 newborns of mothers positive for COVID-19 at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in the US from March 13 to April 24, 2020.
“Our findings should reassure pregnant women with COVID-19 that basic infection control measures during and after delivery, such as wearing a mask and practicing hand and breast hygiene when holding or nursing a baby, protected newborns from infections in this series, “said Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman, study co-author from Columbia University Irving Medical Center in the United States.
To reduce the risk of transmitting the SARS-CoV-2 virus to newborns after delivery, the researchers said hospital staff practiced social distancing, wore masks and placed COVID-positive moms in private rooms.
They said hospitals also provided mothers with educational materials about COVID-19 and shortened hospital stays for those who did not experience complications during delivery.
Most of the newborns shared a room with their mothers, even during the first postpartum checkup, while some were admitted to the intensive care unit for health reasons unrelated to COVID, the study noted.
The scientists said they placed babies who shared rooms with their mothers in protective cribs six feet from the mothers’ beds when they rested.
They encouraged direct breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact with babies, as long as mothers wore masks and washed their hands and breasts with soap and water.
“During the pandemic, we continue to do what we normally do to promote bonding and development of healthy newborns, while taking some additional precautions to minimize the risk of exposure to the virus,” Gyamfi-Bannerman said.
According to the study, only two of the newborns tested positive for the coronavirus, but had no clinical evidence of illness.
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Researchers believe that breast milk is known to protect newborns against numerous pathogens and may help protect newborns against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
However, the researchers were unable to pinpoint how the babies were infected.
When doctors followed about half of the babies, including the two who tested positive for the virus, for the first two weeks of life, they found that they all remained healthy.
According to the researchers, the interim guidelines published by pediatric and health organizations for pregnant women with coronavirus, recommend separation of mothers and newborns during their hospital stay, not direct breastfeeding and bathing newborns as soon as possible.
However, they said these recommendations were made in the absence of data on rates of mother-to-newborn transmission of the virus.
The scientists said these guidelines are based on experience with mother-to-newborn transmission of other infectious diseases.
“But some of the recommendations conflict with what we know about the developmental benefits of early breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact,” said lead study author Dani Dumitriu of the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. Columbia University in the USA
“Our study shows that these measures may not be necessary for healthy newborns with COVID-positive mothers,” Dumitriu said.
Researchers believe that it is particularly important that mothers with COVID-19 have the opportunity to directly breastfeed their newborns.
“Breast milk is known to protect newborns against numerous pathogens and can help protect newborns against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Most studies have not found SARS-CoV-2 in breast milk, and breast milk has been found to contain antibodies to the virus, “Gyamfi-Bannerman explained.
Coronavirus can worry kids: here’s how to speak up
Corona Conversations
In the wake of the coronavirus, several schools and universities in many parts of the world have been closed to contain the spread of COVID-19. As public awareness and conversations about the new virus increase, the situation can make children anxious and concerned about their family and friends.
Parents, family members, teachers, healthcare professionals, and trusted adults play an important role in helping children understand what they hear in an honest, accurate way and minimize their fear or anxiety.
Dr. Sreenath Manikanti, Senior Consultant Neonatologist and HOD Fortis La Femme Hospital, Richmond Road, Bangalore, shares some tips to help facilitate the conversation about corona with children.
General principles when talking to children
– Remember that children react to how and what things are said
– Children pick up signals from the conversations you have with them and with other people.
– Listen patiently to what they say and allow them to ask questions.
– Avoid using words that can blame others and cause stigma.
– Remember that the virus can make anyone sick. Avoid making assumptions about who might have COVID-19
– Pay attention to what children see, hear or read on television, radio or online.
– Reduce the amount of screen time for children focused on COVID-19. Too much information on any topic can cause anxiety and worry
– Give children information that is honest and accurate. Provide accurate and appropriate information for the child’s age and developmental level.
– Talk with children about how some stories about COVID-19 on the internet and social media can be based on rumors and inaccurate information.
– Teach children daily actions to reduce the spread of germs
– Keep calm and keep the information simple
– Assure children that school and health authorities are working hard to keep everyone safe and healthy.
– Teach dos and don’ts at home, schools and playgrounds
Since
– Stay 6 feet away from people who are coughing, sneezing, or sick.
– Cough or sneeze into a tissue or elbow and then throw the tissue into a closed container.
– Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, after using the bathroom, and before eating or learning to prepare food.
– If soap and water are not available, teach children to use hand sanitizer
Not to do
– Avoid touching your mouth, nose, eyes and face with dirty hands.
– Avoid coughing or sneezing into your hands.
– Avoid crowded places
– Avoid touching surfaces in public places and play areas unnecessarily
Discussion points on COVID-19
What is COVID-19?
– COVID-19 is the short name for ‘coronavirus disease 2019’
– It’s a new virus. Doctors are still learning more about it.
– Recently, this virus has made many people sick
– Doctors and scientists think that most people will be fine, especially children, but some people can get very sick.
– Doctors and experts are working hard to help people stay healthy.
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