Breastfeeding saves lives. Human milk provides protection against many illnesses and is always clean, requires no water, or electricity, and is available even in the most challenging circumstances. The limited studies on breastfeeding womxn with COVID-19 and other coronavirus infections show no evidence that the virus can be transmitted through breastmilk. What we do know is that there is an incubation period before the onset of symptoms, so the nursing person and/or baby may already be infectious without knowing or showing symptoms.🤱🏽 ▫ ▫ When a nursing parent becomes sick, the body reacts by making antibodies for the exact pathogen that they are fighting, and transfers it directly to the baby through the breast milk.✨ This transfer helps the baby fight the virus that the nursing parent is carrying and also helps them to stay healthy while in contact with this parent. ▫ Discontinuing breastfeeding at such a critical time may actually INCREASE the baby’s risk of contracting the illness and leaves them way more defenseless against fighting it off, since their immune system is immature and relys on antibodies coming through the milk! Separation is an unnecessary measure!! CONTINUE NURSING THOSE BABIES & KEEP THEM CLOSE!! ▫ ▫ Nursing parents who are infected should take precautions to avoid spreading the virus by: 🌺washing their hands often using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer- before and after feedings. 🌺wear a face mask when near the child. 🌺routinely clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily (e.g. tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, handles, desks, toilets, sinks etc.) ▫ Stay well and calm. Fear, worry, panic, anxiety, and despondency all drain our immune system... at a time when we need our immune system to stay as strong as possible. PLEASE take a moment to breathe and remember that you are not alone. Take care of yourself and allow yourself to be sustained and supported even as you sustain and support your little one.💕 Repost from @mydarlingdoula #coronavirus #covid19 #WBW2020 #EnableBreastfeeding #breastfeeding #worldbreastfeedingweek2020 #blackwomenbreastfeed #mahoganymilk https://www.instagram.com/p/CDcE6osgOsG/?igshid=1vn49nt1d01p9
