MOMS KNOW BREAST HOW TO BREASTFEED SAFELY IN THE TIME OF PANDEMIC

It caused a tectonic change in our everyday lives. And even now that newly-developed vaccines are already starting to be rolled out in almost every country in the world, it continues to disrupt and waylay all of our best-laid plans. 

But it seems that not even a global pandemic like Covid-19 can stop our human need to create new life. Although current research tends to show that it did not trigger the population explosion that some expected, the coronavirus crisis has not actually stopped the stork from flying, either. 

In the Philippines, at least, the pandemic has even spurred a mini baby boom. Not to worry though, as supermoms are rising to the challenge of breastfeeding their little ones. Unfortunately, these uncertain times have also fueled the spread of fake news on the subject. It’s about time that we address every supermom’s nagging questions about breastfeeding in the age of Covid-19, once and for all.
 

Is it safe for me to breastfeed in the midst of this ongoing pandemic?

As long as you follow the basic Covid-19 health and safety practices, yes, it is absolutely safe to breastfeed your baby. Just remember to wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, before and after breastfeeding time. If soap and water are not available, you can disinfect your hands with hand sanitizer that contains at least 70% alcohol. A study shows that even moms who are Covid-positive can safely breastfeed their babies without passing on the virus, just by wearing surgical masks and cleaning their hands regularly.
 

Can I transmit the coronavirus to my child while I’m breastfeeding her?

So far, there is no scientific study that has detected Covid-19 transmission from mother’s milk to baby. Research on the subject is ongoing but for now, scientists agree that breast milk is still the safest food you can give your child. Love is the one thing you can transmit with breastfeeding, however. And you can be certain your baby will relish every drop of it.
 

What if my baby is sick, should I still breastfeed her?

Breast milk is widely considered to be the best and most complete food for baby. It contains the right amount of vitamins, protein, sugar, and fatty acids to aid in baby’s physical and mental growth and development. And because it has antibodies that help fight off infections, it boosts your child’s immune system like no other food. The nutrients in breast milk are also better absorbed and used by her body, unlike those found in formula milk. Continuous breastfeeding during those times when she may not be feeling well will strengthen her body, helping her get better faster and nourishing her back to the pink of health.
 

How can I have a consistent and daily flow of healthy breastmilk for my baby?

One way is to express your milk frequently. This can be done either by breastfeeding as often as you can or by using a breast pump. Breast milk flows according to the law of supply and demand. Which means the more often that milk is released from your breast, the more milk you can produce. Try nursing or pumping at least eight times a day. Increasing the frequency of expressing milk signals your body to produce more of it. 

You can also take lactation enhancements or galactagogues like alfalfa, oats, flaxseed, and moringa. Just be sure to consult your doctor before using any of them.

To boost your health while you are breastfeeding your newborn, you can supplement with vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C (sodium ascorbate), Vitamin E (d-alpha tocopheryl succinate), and Zinc. This dynamic trio works in synergy to help give your body a strong immunity. Not only that, these nutrients can also help impart a smooth and healthy radiance to your skin.

And it’s a good thing that all these can now be found in new Fortima, a health supplement created especially for supermoms like you. So you can now easily consume these nutrients that your body needs, especially at this time. Combine your daily dose of Fortima with a healthy diet, lots of hydration, and low impact exercises like yoga and pilates. All to help ensure a consistent flow of health-giving breast milk for your little one.

Not only is it safe to breastfeed in this time of pandemic, it is also healthier for your child and for you as a supermom. It helps your body release hormones like prolactin and oxytocin that produce peaceful and relaxing sensations and promote a strong sense of love and attachment between you and your baby. At a time in history when death stalks our doorsteps, what could be more heroic than sustaining life in our bosoms?

Pandemic or no pandemic, you can be sure that breastfeeding is still best for babies. And for all of us supermoms, as well.

To know more about how Fortima can help you, just simply click here or visit our Lazada Flagship Store and Shopee to get your daily dose of Fortima. 
 

References:
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/expected-covid-baby-boom-may-be-baby-bust-n1265674
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-55299912
https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/breastfeeding-safely-during-covid-19-pandemic
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/coronavirus-covid-19-moms-babies-breastfeeding-nursing-masks
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/pregnancy-breastfeeding.html
https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=breastmilk-is-best-90-P02636
https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/how-to-increase-breast-milk#how-to
https://www.medela.us/breastfeeding/articles/6-tips-for-increasing-your-breast-milk-supply
https://www.healthline.com/health/4-best-vitamins-for-skin
https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/breastfeeding/exercise-while-breastfeeding/
https://fortima.com.ph
https://www.marchofdimes.org/baby/breastfeeding-is-best.aspx
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/breastfeeding/Pages/Benefits-of-Breastfeeding-for-Mom.aspx