The newborn and people not vaccinated against COVID-19

If the parents who receive the newborn are vaccinated, especially if the mother received the complete vaccine against COVID-19 during pregnancyThey can be reassured that they have given their baby the opportunity to be protected against the virus. They probably gave him some immunity against SARS-CoV-2 from the moment he was born.

Still, they should seriously consider limiting the newborn’s exposure to other peoplesays Dr. Shetal Shah, professor of clinical pediatrics and neonatologist at New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, and Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital.

“People who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 transmit the virus, especially the delta variant, which is more contagious. Also note that people are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 until two weeks after the last injection”.

How likely are newborns to get sick from COVID? While serious COVID-19 infections in newborns are rare, some babies in this age group have become seriously ill. Your baby’s fragile general immune system, as well as his small airways, developing lungs, and respiratory muscles make him more vulnerable to all respiratory diseases, not just COVIDsays Dr. Shah.

It does not mean that no one can see your baby. But you will need to talk to visitors so they agree to take certain steps.

Three ways to protect your baby from the virus

• Masks. Non-household members older than 2 years should wear a mask, even when visiting the baby outdoors or in small gatherings.
• Physical distancing. Even though everyone wants to hug the new baby, you should insist that unvaccinated visitors stay at least 1 meter away from the baby. These measures should also be taken into account when you go out of the house with the baby.
• Keep your baby visits short: less than 15 minutes. This can reduce the risk of your baby becoming infected with COVID-19 or another virus that causes respiratory distress.

Shah also reminds parents that keeping their baby up to date with all recommended vaccinations is another way to protect them. It is not enough not to take it out of the house.

Benefits of Breastfeeding During a Pandemic

The American Academy of Pediatrics explains that Babies who are breastfed are generally less likely to have severe respiratory symptoms when they become ill.

But breastfeeding is good for mothers too. The hormones released in a woman’s body during breastfeeding promote well-being and can relieve stress and anxiety.

On the other hand, breast milk is always available, which is important during public health emergencies, when it may be more difficult or unsafe to purchase the right formula for your baby.

Breastfeeding and women vaccinated against COVID

If you have received a full COVID-19 vaccination, you do not need to take any special precautions when breastfeeding or expressing your milk. However, if you have symptoms or have had close contact with someone who has the disease, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing a mask. Don’t stop breastfeeding.

Can the mother get vaccinated while breastfeeding? Yes, COVID-19 vaccines are considered safe for mothers and nursing babies. Many lactating people have received the COVID-19 vaccine. Recent studies have shown the presence of antibodies from the mRNA vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna) against COVID-19 in the breast milk of vaccinated nursing mothers, which can potentially provide protection to infants who are breastfed. More studies are needed to determine how these antibodies protect the baby.

If you haven’t been fully vaccinated, but have no symptoms or been in close contact with someone with COVID-19, you don’t need to take extra precautions. The infectious SARS-CoV-2 virus has not been found in breast milk until now. Breastfeeding has been shown to be safe even when a mother has other viral illnesses such as influenza.

If you have symptoms or suspicions, even if you test positive for COVID-19, the baby can continue to be breastfed.

• Wash your hands with soap and water before holding the baby and wear a mask while breastfeeding. Holding your baby skin-to-skin helps the baby to suck and helps cause milk to come out.
• If you are going to express breast milk, put on a mask, wash your hands thoroughly, and clean the pump parts, bottles, and pacifiers. Express milk as often as your baby eats, or at least 6 to 8 times in 24 hours. If you need help, the expressed milk can be given to your baby by a healthy caregiver. Remind all caregivers to wash their hands well before handling bottles, feeding or caring for your baby. Remember to clean the breast pump after each use.

If you suspect or have confirmation of COVID-19If you decide to keep your baby in the same room, try to keep a reasonable distance when possible. Wear a mask and wash your hands whenever you touch it.

Continue to take these precautions until you have been fever-free for 24 hours. without taking any fever medication, it has been at least 10 days since your COVID-19 symptoms started and all of your symptoms have improved. If the test result is positive, but you have no symptoms, wait until at least 10 days after the positive result.

If you are receiving medicines for your symptoms while breastfeeding, see your doctor. If you feel stressed about the situation, try to practice healthy habits to reduce stress as much as possible. This includes getting enough sleep, eating lots of healthy foods, and exercising regularly. (F)