Possibility of breastfeeding support during the COVID-19 pandemic: A review of world and Russian protocols

ABSTRACT

The review analyses the available literature on the main principles of breastfeeding support in cases of confirmed/suspected novel coronavirus infection in breastfeeding mothers. Various approaches to management of mother and baby in the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic have been studied that found reflection in the protocols of the World Health Organization, Chinese, American and European medical communities. The evolution of Russian recommendations is analysed. A rationale is offered for the current guidelines on temporary mother-child separation in the healthcare settings when maternal COVID-19 is suspected/confirmed and on the organization of infant feeding with expressed maternal milk. The literature on the nutritional and biological value and the safety of expressed breast milk stored in various conditions is reviewed. Practical advice is given on organization of an individual breast milk bank at home. © 2020, Dynasty Publishing House. All rights reserved.