Breastfeeding Mothers Are Asked to Always Pay Attention to COVID-19 Health Protocols

 

              Aug 28, 2020

Merdeka.com - The Ministry of Health appeals to breastfeeding mothers to pay more attention to health protocols during this COVID-19 pandemic. One of the things that is important to apply is to maintain personal hygiene before breastfeeding.

"We have issued guidelines related to breastfeeding during the COVID-19 period. For breastfeeding mothers, continue to pay attention to health protocols, such as using a mask when breastfeeding," explained Director of Community Nutrition at the Indonesian Ministry of Health Dhian Probhoyekti during a Breastfeeding Week webinar session some time ago.

"Wash your hands or clean yourself too before breastfeeding," she continued.

The Protocol Guidelines for Practical Instructions for Maternal and Newborn Health Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic was published on April 5, 2020. There are guidelines for breastfeeding mothers, as follows:

For mothers who wish to continue breastfeeding, precautions should be taken to limit the spread of the virus to the baby:

a. Wash hands before touching baby and breast

b. Wearing a mask while breastfeeding

c. Clean the breast pump immediately after used

d. Consider asking someone with a healthy condition to breastfeed

e. Mothers should be encouraged to express breast milk (manual or electric), so that the baby can receive the benefits of breast milk and maintain a supply of breast milk so that breastfeeding can continue after the mother and baby are put together.

BREASTFEEDING EDUCATION AND COUNSELING

Dhian continued, that breastfeeding counseling can also be done by mothers. Counseling uses social media or can come to health facilities by appointment.

"About breastfeeding counseling, some are done by using social media. In the regions, you can make an appointment first to convey things related to difficulties during breastfeeding," he continued.

"We are also increasing the capacity of breastfeeding counselors. There are also several related organizations that support breastfeeding. They conduct capacity-building trainings for counselors."

Head of the ASI Task Force for the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) Elizabeth Yohmi added that breastfeeding counseling in health facilities can be done while still implementing health protocols. However, the provision of breastfeeding education makes more use of social media.

"Even if counseling is at the health facilities, you can still come but it is recommended to wear personal protective equipment, such as a face shield. Sometimes we also convey things through social media. So, we are more creative in using all existing social media," he said.

             Obtained from:

https://www.merdeka.com/sehat/ibu-menyusui-diminta-untuk-selalu-memperhatikan-protokol-kesehatan-covid-19.html