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Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronavirus & Pregnancy

Birth & Breastfeeding during COVID-19 times? Read this!

Coronavirus & Pregnancy

It is said that pregnancy is one of the most beautiful stages a woman experiences throughout her life; feeling the first little kicks, finding out the sex of the baby, or sharing the good news with your loved ones. Even though your body undergoes a lot of changes during these months and you have to avoid some foods and make adjustments in your daily routines, most women enjoy this period a lot.

However, in times of the Coronavirus crisis, it's normal that the worries in the future mothers and their families increase. Fear and uncertainty are two natural feelings about the situation, but facts and accurate information must guide us. 

Currently, there are no proven data that tells us that a pregnant woman has a higher degree of risk to COVID-19 than the general population. Still, because naturally, all pregnant women are facing a process of physiological immunosuppression (this means that it is the only time when your body lowers its guard and decreases your body's natural defenses to not detect as foreign to your baby while it is in the womb and allow it to develop) the patient becomes more susceptible to acquire respiratory infections so you must be especially careful. 

 

The initial prevention recommendations for a pregnant woman are the same as those recommended for the general population:

  • Wash your hands often with abundant soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Remain socially distant, if for any reason you have to leave your home, keep the space of 6- feet minimum between you and the others and, of course, avoid attending very crowded places.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
  • If you have a fever, cough or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately. Call before going to a health care facility and follow the instructions there.

 

The greatest fear of mom is that you can pass any disease to your baby, this type of transmission is called "Vertical" (before, during, or after breastfeeding). Any other infection that mom has is at risk of being transmitted through the placenta, into the birth canal, or through breastfeeding.

According to the WHO reports, in the case of a virus such as COVID-19, there is currently no evidence that a woman can transmit the virus to her fetus or baby during pregnancy or delivery, and that so far, the virus hasn’t been detected in samples of amniotic fluid or breast milk.

Breastfeeding in Times of Coronavirus

Breastfeeding is one of the greatest gifts you can give your baby, besides generating an attachment you are providing him with immunoglobulins, that is, defenses, and in contingency cases like the one we are experiencing the baby needs those defenses even more. 

So, if I already have the virus, can I breastfeed?

According to data from the WHO, it confirms that women who have given birth and have tested positive for the Coronavirus can indeed breastfeed if they wish. But they must do it under the following circumstances:

 

  • Wash their hands before and after touching the baby
  • Practice respiratory hygiene during feeding, using a mouthpiece and if possible gloves as well, 
  • Routinely clean and disinfect the surfaces you have touched and the area where you nurse.
  • Or, pump your milk and let someone else feed your baby from a bottle.

Finally, stay calm and apply the prevention recommendations all the time. But above all, remember to enjoy all the sensations and experiences that can only be lived through this period full of joy and happiness for bringing a new life into the world.


And remember:  Get tested! 

Where can I get a test for COVID-19 in Los Cabos?  Visit our link to find more information about it. 

Why is COVID-19 testing important?  COVID-19 testing is an important way to protect your family, your community, and yourself.

It will save lives!