The Latest Covid-19 Recommendations for New Moms and Babies
Coronavirus does not stop pregnancy. Pandemic or not, babies are being born, and each new birth represents hope for humanity. The first 60 minutes of life is known as the “golden hour.” This period immediately after delivery contributes to infant temperature regulation, reduces stress for mom and baby, improves mother-baby bonding, and increases breastfeeding success. To preserve the sanctity of the golden hour, labor and delivery units needed to answer this important pandemic question: “Can we keep mom and baby together safely?” Answer is YES. Current data suggest that approximately 2% to 5% of infants born to women with Covid-19 have tested positive in the first 24 to 96 hours after birth.
SARS-CoV-2 is a respiratory virus primarily passed via droplets. An infected mother can pass the infection to her baby and precautions must be maintained to protect the new-borns. Mothers with Covid-19 can safely room in with their new-born with precautions to prevent the transmission of respiratory droplets. Separating infants from the mother did not reduce the risk of new-born infection. Data from the registry shows no published cases of an infant dying during the initial birth hospitalization as a direct result of SARS-CoV-2 infection. What that means in practice is that a Covid-19-positive mom will not be separated from her child unless she or the baby is acutely ill requiring specialized treatment.
Social distancing, face covers, and hand hygiene remain our greatest weapons against transmitting this respiratory virus. Mothers are asked to maintain a six-feet separation when not providing hands-on care. When handling the baby, moms should wash their hands and done a face mask. Non-infected birth partners or family members should also wear a mask and practice diligent handwashing when caring for babies.
Breastfeeding is strongly encouraged. SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in breast milk, but no definitive studies have been done to date to determine if the active infectious virus is secreted in breast milk. We also do not yet know if protective antibodies are secreted in breast milk. The recommendation is for Covid-positive mothers to breastfeed after performing hand hygiene and while wearing a face mask to reduce the transmission of respiratory droplets.
If
a mother is too sick to care for her infant, it may be appropriate to
temporarily separate mother and new-born. If mom requires medical care at a
level that inhibits her ability to care for her infant, the baby will be taken
care of by the medical team and the patient’s family.
Recovery and Care After Delivery
You need to take good care of yourself to rebuild your strength. You will need plenty of rest, good nutrition, and help during the first few weeks.
1.
Get plenty of rest
Get as much sleep as possible to cope with tiredness and fatigue. Every new parent soon learns that babies have different time clocks than adults. A typical new-born wakes up about every 3 hours and needs to be fed, changed, and comforted. To make sure you are getting enough rest, sleep when your baby sleeps. This may be only a few minutes of rest several times a day, but these minutes can add up. Especially if this is your first baby, you and your partner can become overwhelmed by exhaustion. You may not get a solid 8 hours of sleep for several months. Have your baby's bed near yours for feedings at night. In the first few weeks, you need to let someone else take care of all responsibilities other than feeding your baby and taking care of yourself. It’s nice to have visits from friends and family, but don’t feel that you need to entertain guests. Feel free to excuse yourself for a nap or to feed your baby. Get outside for a few minutes each day. You can start walking and doing postpartum exercises, as advised by your healthcare provider.
2.
Seek help
Don’t hesitate to accept help from family and friends during the postpartum period, as well as after this period. Your body needs to heal, and practical help around the home can help you get much-needed rest. Friends or family can prepare meals, run errands, or help care for other children in the home.
3.
Nutrition
Your body has undergone many changes during pregnancy and birth. You need time to recover. In addition to rest, you need to eat a healthy diet to help you do that. The weight gained in pregnancy helps build stores for your recovery and for breastfeeding. After delivery, you need to eat a healthy and balanced diet so you can be active and able to care for your baby. Most lactation experts recommend that you eat when you are hungry. But many mothers may be so tired or busy that food gets forgotten. So it is important to plan simple, healthy meals that include choices from all of the recommended groups are divided into 5 food group categories, such as :-
(a) Grains. Foods that are made from wheat, rice, oats, cornmeal, barley, or another cereal grain are grain products. Examples include whole wheat, brown rice, and oatmeal.
(b) Vegetables. Vary your vegetables. Choose a variety of vegetables, including dark green, red, and orange vegetables, legumes (peas and beans), and starchy vegetables.
(c) Fruits. Any fruit or 100% fruit juice counts as part of the fruit group. Fruits may be fresh, canned, frozen, or dried, and may be whole, cut-up, or pureed.
(d) Dairy. Milk products and many foods made from milk are considered part of this food group. Focus on fat-free or low-fat products, as well as those that are high in calcium.
(e) Protein. Go
lean on protein. Choose low-fat or lean meat and poultry. Vary your protein
routine. Choose more fish, nuts, seeds, peas, and beans.
Oils are not a food group, but some oils such as nut oils have important nutrients. Include these in your diet. Other oils such as animal fats are solid. Don't include these in your diet.
4.
Exercise
Your doctor will let you know when it’s OK to exercise. The activity should not be strenuous. You should include exercise and everyday physical activity in your dietary plan. Try taking a walk near your house. The change of scenery is refreshing and can increase your energy level.
5.
Stay Hydrated
Drink a lot of fluids to beat exhaustion. It is also important to drink lots of water to avoid constipation. Consume food rich in fibre and balance it by drinking lots of water.
Most mothers want to lose their pregnancy weight, but extreme dieting and rapid weight loss can harm you and your baby if you are breastfeeding. It can take several months for you to lose the weight you gained during pregnancy. You can reach this goal by cutting out high-fat snacks. Focus on a diet with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, balanced with proteins and carbohydrates. Exercise also helps burn calories and tone muscles and limbs.
Along with balanced meals, you should drink more fluids if you are breastfeeding. You may find that you become very thirsty while the baby is nursing. Water and milk are good choices. Try keeping a pitcher of water and even some healthy snacks beside your bed or breastfeeding chair.
Talk with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if you want to learn more about postpartum nutrition. Certified lactation consultants can also help with advice about nutrition while breastfeeding.
Also, follow the link to
know more : https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/precautions-after-delivery-that-you-should-know/
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