ABSTRACT
JUSTIFICATION: Recent research has provided evidence for lack of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through human milk and breastfeeding. Updating the practice guidelines will help in providing appropriate advice and support regarding breastfeeding during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. OBJECTIVES: To provide evidence-based guidelines to help the healthcare professionals to advise optimal breastfeeding practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. PROCESS: Formulation of key questions was done under the chairmanship of President of the IAP. It was followed by review of literature and the recommendations of other international and national professional bodies. Through Infant and Young child (IYCF) focused WhatsApp group opinion of all members was taken. The final document was prepared after the consensus and approval by all members of the committee. RECOMMENDATIONS: The IYCF Chapter of IAP strongly recommends unabated promotion, protection and support to breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic with due precautions.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Pediatrics , Breast Feeding , Child , Female , Humans , Infant , Pandemics , SARS-CoV-2ABSTRACT
The entire world seems to have responded to COVID-19 pandemic in a knee-jerk manner with a short mindset without building on the existing strengths of public health infrastructure. National governments cannot be blamed for this as we are dealing with a crisis that comes once in a lifetime. Realising this, the Organized Medicine Academic Guild (OMAG) an association of major health associations in this country has suggested measures for long-term solutions to COVID-19-like pandemics in the form of a policy paper by OMAG.
