Retrospective Study on Breastfeeding Practices by SARS-COV-2 Positive Mothers in a High Risk Area for Coronavirus Infection

BACKGROUND: During the pandemic of SARS-Cov-2, among other clinical and public health issues, a major concern raised by SARS-CoV-2 is the possibility of transmission of the infection from mother to child in the perinatal period. This has placed a question mark on the safety of breastfeeding, with ambiguity on the joint management of SARS-CoV-2 positive or suspected mothers and their children. It was aimed to evaluate breastfeeding rates for newborns of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 positive mothers who were temporarily separated from their babies at birth, compared to those who were not separated. RESULTS: Babies who were not isolated from their mothers at delivery were significantly more likely to be breastfed and were at no higher risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2. CONCLUSION: Following the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations and strict hand and mask hygiene measures, breastfeeding practices can be established and maintained through rooming-in, thus promoting the mother–child bond without compromising the safety of the newborn.