The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Friday said nursing mothers, who have tested positive for the COVID-19 pandemic could still breastfeed their newborn babies despite their status.
WHO Director General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus disclosed at a press briefing: “Based on the available evidence, WHO’s advice is that the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh any potential risks of transmission of COVID-19.
“Mothers with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should be encouraged to initiate and continue breastfeeding and not be separated from their infants, unless the mother is too unwell.”
The WHO DG explained that evidentially, children had lower chances of being infected by the COVID-19 virus than adults. However, he added that children’s chances of contacting other diseases that breastfeeding helps combat are at high.
