Breastfeeding and infection control measures among lactating COVID-positive mothers: A retrospective study

Authors

  • Barathy Chandrasegaran Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Puducherry, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2315-8495
  • Jayavani Ramasundaram Loganathan Senior Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Puducherry, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3405-1458
  • Devi Kitty Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Puducherry, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4041-3638
  • Thiagarajan Srinivasan Senior Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Puducherry, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9703-0139
  • Jayapriya Mounissamy Intern, Department of Pediatrics, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Puducherry, India
  • Jennifer Francis Xavier Intern, Department of Pediatrics, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Puducherry, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v13i9.44489

Keywords:

Breast feeding; COVID 19; Lactation; Milk; Prevention; SARS-COV-2

Abstract

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding along with infection prevention measures is recommended for lactating COVID-positive mothers as benefits outweigh the risk.

Aims and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to assess the feeding and infection prevention measures among the COVID-19 infected lactating mothers in Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Puducherry to identify areas of concern.

Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional and observational study was conducted by telephonic survey after verbal consent on a series of 103 COVID-positive postnatal mothers regarding their feeding practices and infection prevention measures. Descriptive statistics was used.

Results: Breastfeeding was given by 72 (69.9%), mixed feeding by 27 mothers (26.2%), and formula feeds by four (3.9%). Overall, exclusive breastfeeding was given by 66 mothers (64.1%). With respect to infection prevention measures, high performance of frequent/always was observed for use of hand hygiene (n=90, 87.3%) and use of mask (n=81, 78.5%).

Conclusion: Despite the pandemic situation, the most COVID-positive mothers breastfed their infants with fair compliance to infection prevention measures.

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Published

2022-09-01

How to Cite

Barathy Chandrasegaran, Jayavani Ramasundaram Loganathan, Devi Kitty, Thiagarajan Srinivasan, Jayapriya Mounissamy, & Jennifer Francis Xavier. (2022). Breastfeeding and infection control measures among lactating COVID-positive mothers: A retrospective study. Asian Journal of Medical Sciences, 13(9), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v13i9.44489

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 9 (2022)

Section

Original Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2022 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences

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