It is imperative that the newborn have a few drops of breast milk immediately after birth before being taken from the mother. The infant needs breast milk for the first three days to develop immunity and nutritional demands

The Coronavirus pandemic and consequent lockdown breakout have been especially difficult for pregnant women and new moms. In the present conditions, nursing their infants has been one of their primary concerns. 

The Covid virus does not transmit during childbirth; the only way it may infect a kid is via the air after birth. Even if a woman is receiving therapy for Covid-19, she may breastfeed her child as long as she observes specific precautions.

It is imperative that the newborn have a few drops of breast milk immediately after birth before being taken from the mother. The infant needs breast milk for the first three days to develop immunity and nutritional demands. Therefore, it is advised that women wear protective kits and breastfeed their children for ten minutes every day. This may be avoided if the mother's health is serious.

This year's theme for World Nursing Week is to promote breastfeeding for a healthy world and to take precautions because of the global epidemic. Dr Arockia provides the following nursing dos and don'ts for moms to follow. 

Wash your hands before and after handling your child 

Wear a mask while breastfeeding 

Before contacting the breast pump or bottle components, wash your hands. Cleanse and sanitise all parts after each usage. 

Ten minutes after feeding the infant from both breasts, quickly hand the infant to the attendant. 

Do not overexpose yourself to the infant if you have HIV or moderate symptoms. The mother should be separated from the infant by six feet and kept in a different room while not breastfeeding. 

A mother's milk serves as the infant's first vaccination, giving complete nourishment and protection against illness. Here is some food advice from Dr. Arockia for new moms. 

Be sure to consume abundant green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, and maintain a high-protein diet. Include lentils, chickpeas, sprouts, oats, and drumstick leaves in your diet. 

Maintain the body's fluid balance with freshly made juices. 

Consume foods high in vitamin C and antioxidants 

If not previously prescribed, get a Zinc pill from your doctor for enhanced immunity. 

Avoid hot foods since they might create acidity and harm the infant. Additionally, consuming too much mango might cause acidity. 

In light of the present situation, some pregnant women and new moms may experience melancholy or anxiety, mainly when a mother tests positive or exhibits minor symptoms. To keep a new mother's ordinary concerns at bay, her spouse and family must assist her with daily responsibilities. 

Before discharging new moms from the hospital, they should have at least one breastfeeding counselling session. The weekly lessons may then continue online, so the new mother gains confidence and clarity around nursing. "Sometimes, the assistance of a spouse is essential to put the infant in the optimal feeding position," she said. 

While combating Covid-19 is the first focus of the healthcare system, community support, the involvement of a spouse, and a healthy diet may assist new moms in tackling anxiety, particularly during these trying times. 

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