Mother's with COVID-19

Malaysia reports a case related to a pregnant woman infected with COVID-19

A newborn baby in London was tested positive of COVID-19

Of course, it had caused panic and chaos over the internet recently, It was the first case of a pregnant woman and a newborn baby to get infected with COVID-19. Many things come up in our mind when we talk about COVID19.

Can pregnant women and babies get infected?

If I were infected with COVID-19, what will happen to my baby?

Can I breastfeed my baby if I got infected?

And all sorts of ‘what if’ questions as COVID-19 has been declared as pandemic and highly infectious virus. According to Centre of Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s still under research whether pregnant women have a greater chance of getting infected with COVID-19 than the public or whether they are more likely to have serious illnesses as a result. So, it is important for pregnant women and breastfeeding moms to protect themselves from these illnesses.

COVID-19 can only be transferred through respiratory droplets. So, COVID-19 cannot be infected through breastmilk. Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM) even urges moms to continue nursing babies by following these simple ways for breastfeeding moms and soon-to-be moms:

1. Respiratory hygiene

Wear a mask if you’re tested positive with COVID-19 to avoid getting any droplets when you cough or sneeze. Another way when you’re sick is to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or flexed elbow when you cough or sneeze.

 2. Hand hygiene

Wash your hands before and after you nurse for at least 20 seconds. It’s important to make sure you wash your hands properly. Follow this simple guide on how to wash and sanitize your hands.

Proper Way to Apply Hand Sanitizer 

 3. Routinely cleaning and disinfect surfaces

According to WHO, a mother with COVID-19 should be separated from their infants. They should express breastmilk but should wash their hands thoroughly and disinfect the pump and bottles.

Extra tips for you mommies. You can also do routine cleaning which involves frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, handles, tables and desks, remote controls, toilets, faucets, and sinks. Use the bleach and soap to disinfect. Cleaning the house not only can minimize exposure of viruses, but it is one of the productive activities at home during this restriction movement order. 

It’s important for us to take care of ourselves and family during this dire time. Please follow the order issued by the healthcare worker, WHO, government and all related parties as they are responsible to make sure all things are in control and reduce the number of infected people.

Side note: Let’s praise and respect them for providing us with a lot of information and efforts they have put in since the first day COVID-19 case was discovered until now.

Source: CDC, KKM