A mother, who has tested positive for Covid-19, can safely breastfeed her newborn, experts have said.

The question on whether a Covid-19 positive mother could breastfeed her newborn was put frequently to a Unicef team in Jharkhand during an interactive orientation session with youths and volunteers on the occasion of World Breastfeeding Week, which is being observed from August 1 to 7.

“A large section that we interacted with had a misconception that a newborn could be exposed to the infection if the baby is breastfed by a mother, who is Covid-19 positive. However, breastfeeding is totally safe and beneficial,” said Prasanta Dash, chief of Unicef field office in Jharkhand.

“A Covid positive mother can breastfeed her baby safely provided she wears a mask and washes hands before taking the baby,” Dash said, adding that even the World Health Organization has recommended breastfeeding.

According to WHO, mothers with suspected or confirmed Covid-19 should be encouraged to initiate or continue to breastfeed as the benefits substantially overweigh the potential risk of transmission (of the disease).

Unicef has been organising the interactive sessions with stakeholders like volunteers, youths and members of rural communities for encouraging breastfeeding. “We couldn’t organise any gathering due to the (lockdown) restrictions but held virtual orientation sessions this year,” said Unicef communications officer Astha Alang.

“We always encourage new mothers to start breastfeeding within an hour of delivery as the colostrum or the first milk after delivery is very helpful for newborns,” said Unicef nutrition specialist Preetu Mishra.

Leading medical journal The Lancet published on July 23 a research article titled “Neonatal management and outcomes during the Covid-19 pandemic” confirming the benefits of breastfeeding.

“Our data suggest that perinatal (time immediately before and after birth) transmission of Covid-19 is unlikely to occur if correct hygiene precautions are undertaken and that allowing neonates to room in with their mothers and direct breastfeeding are safe procedures,” the article, quoting the research team, said.