As we are in the thick of the second wave of COVID 19, we are needing to rethink what the new normal is.
The birth of a baby results in a rebirth and awakening of the family unit.
The pandemic has created added uncertainty and anxiety on all things related to parenting. This time is often filled with much excitement and butterflies, but now it has the potential to be overshadowed by being more alone.
As we navigate this space it is important to stick with the facts.
TO DATE, THERE IS NO CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE OF TRANSMISSION OF THE CORONA VIRUS 🦠 IN BREASTMILK. So what does this mean? This means that without a doubt NOW MORE THAN EVER, all Mothers should Breastfeed and provide BREASTMILK for their tiny newborns . I want to encourage all families to utilize all the available educational breastfeeding materials online, radio and social media.
The following are excellent resources namely:
-Judy Kirkwood from WWW.beststartbaby.com
-La Leche League South Africa
-Lactation Consultants of Southern-& Africa (LACSA) on www.lacsa.co.za
-South African Certified Lactation Consultants(SACLC) on www.salactationconsultants.co.za
I have heard from numerous different mothers recently, that they have received conflicting and inaccurate information on baby feeding. Fear of the unknown is stressful. We must not forget what has kept our babies alive and healthy through all the years of wars, disasters, tsunami’s and unrest. This answer is BREASTMILK.
Recently, one of my breastfeeding mothers contacted me, she was suspected to have Covid. Her GP immediately told her to stop breastfeeding. As she spoke with me, I could hear she was stressed about now having to try formula. The doctor did not provide support about PROTECTING HER SUPPLY AND EXPRESSING. I immediately reassured and encouraged her that all would be okay. Together, we spoke about the wonders of her unique milk and how we could increase it. We brought back her supply through frequent breast stimulation, breastfeeding, breast massage and breast expression. We also spoke about drinking to quench thirst, taking in a lot of water and having regular snacks and healthy snacks to maintain and stabilize blood sugar levels.
I am an experienced Registered Nurse and Lactation Consultant working on the frontlines in South Africa. Vital support and expertise provided to new parents must be CLEAR AND EASY TO UNDERSTAND.
We need to teach HAND HYGIENE – regular hand washing to kill and reduce viral load transfer.
RESPIRATORY HYGIENE- The regular and consistent use of wearing a mask to cover both the mouth and nose. Wearing a mask is like a condom – to protect yourself and your partner and your newborn.
SOCIAL HYGIENE – Keeping a large distance between oneself and others.
IMMUNE SUPPORT – Now more than ever, we need to encourage the intake of healthy amounts of raw fruit and vegetables. As they say, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” All breastfeeding mothers should be encouraged to take a postnatal multivitamin and omega supplement after birth. A daily dose of Sunshine can help to keep the vitamin D levels strong. Foods rich in Zinc are nuts, shellfish, meat, chicken, lentils, spinach etc. Foods rich in vitamin C are strawberries, peppers, oranges, mango, papaya etc. PLEASE WE MUST ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT FRESH AND RAW IS ALWAYS BEST.
All scientific research and journal reviews continue to highlight breastmilk as the best form of food and hydration for a newborn child. Besides the nutritional balance of protein, fats and carbohydrates in human breastmilk, it’s also the hundreds of immune-modulating molecules within this fluid that sustain life. Breastmilk has the advantage of targeting and destroying tumour cells through the HAMLET cells – HUMAN ALPHA-LACTALBUMIN MADE LETHAL TO TUMOUR CELLS. The vast amount of HMO (HUMAN MILK OLIGOSACCHARIDES) have the ability of adhering to bacteria and virus which prevents them from being absorbed within the developing babies bodies. We also know that breastmilk changes daily according to what viruses and bacteria are in the atmosphere eg The breastmilk of a mother with an infection will have higher levels of Immunoglobulins, White blood cells, stem cells etc. We can also see this via a colour change in breastmilk. So what does this all mean? Babies need breastmilk to grow and develop optimally. If a mother presents with COVID related symptoms, she needs to stay at home and consult telephonically with an experienced Lactation Consultant. As well as communicating with her Lactation Consultant, we also advise mothers to make use of online consultations with her GP or community Health Sister. Medication for fever and headaches can be given to help with the COVID SYMPTOMS.
The reason we prefer videocall consultations in a suspected COVID positive person, is to try and prevent the COVID Virus from spreading. COVID loves people and places. We are here to help You.
Whatsapp me Judy K on 082 562 1986 to book an appointment and please look at my social media resources. Thank you and BE SAFE!