According to the study conducted in Wuhan, China, in 2019. no SARS-CoV-2 (which causes COVID-19) was found in breast milk from mothers with confirmed COVID-19.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Mothers who test positive for COVID-19 can breastfeed their babies, a Health Ministry nutritionist has said at an event "Breastfeeding Is Strategic Step to Protect and Make Mothers and Children Healthy" held virtually in Jakarta on Thursday. . "In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, (experts) recommend that mothers who have contracted COVID-19 can keep breastfeeding their babies," Public Nutrition Director of the Health Ministry Dr. Dhian Proboyekti Dipo said.

No study has proved that breast milk from mothers who have contracted COVID-19 can transmit the coronavirus to their babies, she said.

"According to the study conducted in Wuhan, China, in 2019. no SARS-CoV-2 (which causes COVID-19) was found in breast milk from mothers with were confirmed with COVID-19. This means that breastfeeding must continue," she said.

The mothers can continue to breastfeed their babies as long as they abide by the health protocols to prevent the transmission of the coronavirus, she said.

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The health protocols include wearing a face mask during breastfeeding or while coming in close contact with babies, washing hands in running water, and cleaning the house with disinfectant, she said.

Meanwhile, Lactation Counselor Dr. Ameetha Drupadi advised breastfeeding mothers to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to prevent their babies from getting the coronavirus.

"In the midst of this pandemic, breastfeeding mothers should be vaccinated against COVID-19 so they can breastfeed their babies safely," she said.

The vaccination of breastfeeding mothers against COVID-19 has no impact on babies receiving either exclusive breast milk or extracted breast milk. In fact, breast milk can produce antibodies that can protect the mothers and babies from virus transmission, she said.

"The vaccinated mothers can transmit the antibody to their breastfed babies through breast milk to protect them against the virus. The vaccination is important to protect mothers so they can breastfeed their babies until they are two years old," she said.

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Translator: Hreeloita DS, Suharto
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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