Pregnancy and the birth of a new baby is usually a time for joy and celebration. COVID has changed this for a lot of families. During COVID times, woman have understandably become very anxious and concerned for their own health, and that of their unborn or newborn baby. Let me share what we know: Pregnant woman carry the same risk as the general adult population to contract SARS-CoV-2 and are not more likely to develop serious disease. Worldwide very few cases have been reported where vertical transmission (in utero transmission from mother to baby) has occurred. These babies are mostly well and this should be reassuring to expectant moms. Should a pregnant woman become unwell with Covid-19, there seems to be a risk for preterm labour. This mostly happens between 32 and 37 weeks of pregnancy. These babies might need to go to the NICU until they are ready to go home. What happens if a mom is COVID positive and breastfeeding? As a Paediatrician, I will always encourage and support a mom to continue feeding. We don’t ever advocate separating mom and baby, however, we do suggest that a few additional hygiene measures be implemented. These measures should be practiced if mom is breastfeeding or expressing breastmilk to feed via bottle. • Wear a mask whilst feeding or holding your baby. I know this does not seem natural and it is important for baby to see moms face and smile but luckily this should only be necessary for 10 days after symptoms start, or from the date of a positive test result. • Wash down the breasts with warm soapy water before each feed. • Practice hand washing before touching your baby, breast pump or bottles. • Clean and sterilise all bottles and breast pumps regularly. Newborns can contract SARS-CoV-2, and I have had this in my own practice. As with children in general, they seem to get mild disease with mostly upper respiratory symptoms. It has been reported that few babies have been reported to have become seriously ill, needing admission and support. Please consult your Paediatrician immediately should your baby be unwell.
Xoxo, Dr Christa