Table 1.
Precautions and suggestion by organizations on breastfeeding by an infected mother.
| Organization | Direction on the prevention of mother-to-child transmission | Reason(s) | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese Pediatrics COVID-19 Working Group | Feeding of infants with formula or donor breast milk should be after the formula or milk has been isolated in the appropriate unit for a period of 14 days | No obvious reasons were provided | Wang et al. (90) |
| World Health Organization (WHO) | Mothers with health issues should be allowed to collect the breast milk to feed her child. Milk from the human milk bank could replace mother's milk in case she is unable to lactate | WHO advises that breastfeeding should be based on the willingness of the mother as well as her family and the advice of her health provider However, to avoid transmission to the infant, all protective practicable measures must be taken |
WHO (85) |
| United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) | The nursing mother should continue to breastfeed while taking all precautionary measures | In order to prevent the separation of the neonate from the mother | UNICEF (86) |
| Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) | Infant formula is the first feeding choice in order to keep the baby safe if the mother is either suspected or positive with COVID-19 However, if they are kept together, preventive measures should be taken to prevent the baby from contracting the virus | It is important to follow safety procedures to prevent the contraction of the virus by the baby | CDC (84) |
| Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG) | The mother and the baby should be together. However, there should be a sufficient justification to keep the mother apart from her baby in case of necessity | It is believed that breastfeeding is essential for the newborn. In addition, the benefits outweigh the adverse effects that may be associated | RCOG (91) |
| International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) | As long as the mother is not badly affected by the infection, rooming in and breastfeeding can be achieved | No justification provided | Poon et al. (92) |
| Italian National Institute of Health (ISS) | Either in case of suspicious or confirmed infection, the mother should directly breastfeed or express her breast milk if she is ready to do so | Since breastfeeding is important, preventive measures must be taken to minimize the chance of transmission of the virus | ISS cited by Davanzo et al. (87, 93) |
| Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) | The management of the hospital should determine whether to room in the suspected or confirmed mother with her baby or separate them | A safe procedure should be adopted | ABM (94) |