On the occasion of World Breastfeeding Week (1st to 7th August 2021), experts have highlighted the importance of Breastfeeding and addressed concerns related to COVID recovering pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and the vaccination. The theme this year is ‘Protecting Breastfeeding: Where Lies the Responsibility?’.
Breastfeeding is the foundation of life. It is the first and best defense a newborn has against illness, disease, and death since it is their first vaccination. It optimally helps prevent malnutrition in all of its forms, with long-term benefits for both children and mothers. Breastfed babies have a reduced risk of non-communicable illnesses as adults and are more likely to have a higher IQ, spend more time in school, and have a higher-paying career. Breastfeeding additionally improves the mother-infant bond while lowering the mother’s risk of, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and ovarian and breast cancer.
The spread of COVID-19 has had an impact on the health, nutrition, and well-being of the country’s most vulnerable populations, and will have long-term consequences. The impact on mother and child health, particularly among pregnant women and children, rises in a setting where health and nutrition services are diminished or destroyed, care institutions within society have broken down, and trauma is widespread. Further, myths and misconceptions about breastfeeding during COVID times have taken an upper hand due to lack of complete evidence about its transmission and treatment. COVID-19 does not treat everyone equally. Undernourished women and children have weakened immune systems and may be more susceptible to severe disease as a result of the virus.
Breastfeeding is essential. So far, no evidence of COVID-19 transmission through breastmilk or nursing has been found. Lactation expert, Dr. Mangala Wani, President BPNI (Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India) Maharashtra and member FOGSI Breast Committee, says, “Until now, Covid-19 infection has not been found in breast milk. Therefore, new mothers can breastfeed their babies even if they are suffering from Covid infection. it is entirely safe to do so. However, wearing masks and hand and respiratory hygiene should be maintained as the infant can get infected through talking, coughing and sneezing”.
To help protect their babies from infections and sickness during the COVID-19 pandemic, mothers are encouraged to continue breastfeeding while maintaining proper hygiene. Nonetheless, while nursing, it is crucial to remember the three Ws: Wear on a mask. Hands should be washed before and after contacting the infant. Surfaces should be wiped and disinfected on a regular basis.
The nutritional content of alternative sources of milk and milk substitutes, in contrast to breastmilk, is unsuitable for babies. Because of the high protein content, it might cause indigestion and flatulence. Dr. Amir Maroof Khan, Professor of Community Medicine and Honorary Secretary, MIYCN National Working Group of Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine, says “Dilution of the substitute while preparation can make the food nutritionally inadequate for the infant. More importantly, there is an increased risk that a baby might get infected due to the use of feeding bottles”.
Individually, the cost of non-exclusive breastfeeding is associated with the risk of life-threatening infections; nevertheless, caregivers face an indirect cost in the form of out-of-pocket spending for the usage of quality healthcare for the treatment of infections induced by bottle-feeding.
Now, a commonly asked question is: Can women who are pregnant receive the Covid-19 vaccine? Experts say, vaccination for pregnant women has been approved based on the recommendations of the NTAGI (National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization), with the condition that they are informed about the risk of COVID-19 exposure, as well as the risks and benefits associated with COVID-19 vaccines available in the country.
Dr. Ketan Bharadva, Chairperson of IYCF (Infant and Young Child Feeding) Chapter of Indian Academy of Pediatrics and Human Milk Banking Association, adds, “There is no need to restrict or modify breastfeeding schedules before or after vaccination and even during mild common adverse effects like fever and feeling unwell. Evidence shows that the advantages of breastfeeding exceed the dangers of transmission and that antibodies present in breastmilk may aid in the battle against COVID-19 infection if a newborn is exposed.”
Dr. Sujeet Ranjan, Member of Indian Association of Preventive & Social Medicine and Former Executive Director, The Coalition for Food and Nutrition Security, highlights, “Increasing the capacity of front-line community workers to assist and counsel women and families on exclusive breastfeeding, early stimulation, improved hygiene practices and vaccination completion is needed to clear any myths and misconceptions that may exist. Tackling disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic involves improving telemedicine to substitute in-person consultations, community outreach to offer information on service disruptions or modifications, task shifting, and redirecting patients to alternate health care facilities. Public-private collaborations, particularly at the community level, can help to raise financing, tighten monitoring, and/or improve programme execution”.
Protecting mother and child health advances will thus need attention, sustained leadership, funding, and commitment at all levels and across society. COVID-19 phase will most certainly remain with us for a long time, therefore we must ensure uninterrupted universal and high-quality coverage of essential nutrition interventions, with a special focus on children under two years of age and pregnant women.
