Breastfeeding During COVID-19

As mentioned in a previous post, I recently had a bout with COVID 19. During this period I did breastfeed and I did find that my youngest (under a year) was the least affected by any symptoms. Canada has not yet published any specific guidelines around breastfeeding while positive with COVID 19. However, the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) among others recommend that breast is still best. 

Are there any guidelines around breastfeeding during COVID-19 in Canada?

At this time, there are no Canadian guidelines published on COVID-19 and breastfeeding. Below are some resources, shared by Enfamil Canada in their recent newsletter to parents, that can help to inform your breastfeeding decision.

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued interim guidance on breastfeeding and COVID 19 (https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/maternal-or-infant-illnesses/covid-19-and-breastfeeding.html)

• The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/key-topics/covid-19)

• The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (United Kingdom) (https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/)

• Dietitians of Canada (https://www.dietitians.ca/News/2020/Advice-for-the-general-public-about-COVID-19)

Guidance on breastfeeding and COVID-19 may change as knowledge evolves.  Whether and how to start or continue breastfeeding should be determined by the mother in coordination with her family and healthcare providers. 

 Are you a breastfeeding or soon to be breastfeeding mom? What are your thoughts on breastfeeding during this time?

Safety First Comfort Pacifier

A little device I'd recommend for pacifier loving babies (or even just those who will take a pacifier) is the @safety_1st comfort check pacifier! The bonus pack also comes with a pacifier medicine dispenser. This combo has given me the confidence I needed when baby had to get the first set of immunization shots. I simply threw it in the diaper bag and started fever checking and continued at home for the 2 weeks following. Luckily, baby didn't get a fever this round, so I didn't have to use the medicine dispenser. I'm glad I have these two handy devices to face future rounds of baby immunization. It also is the best kind of budget thermometer for vacation and travel. As baby's safety comes first, this is definitely a top 10 baby must have in my books. 

What’s your go to thermometer while on the go with baby? 

Vicks for Baby & Moms

It’s already cold and flu season and another baby essential that I have in my motherhood toolkit is everything Vicks! I really do believe that the big box retailers should carry a gift set of various Vicks products for new moms. This would make the perfect baby registry item. 

Until then, you can make your own Vicks gift basket for any expecting or new moms in your life and it can include:

For Baby

1. The Vicks Baby Rub - safe to rub on baby’s chest

2. The Vicks VapoSteam for use in any humidifier with a medicine tray that allows you to pour liquid Vicks in.

3. Vicks VapoPads for use in the Vicks Vaporizer

For Mom

4. Regular Vicks Rub for mom

5. Vicks inhalers for mom

6. Vicks cough drops for mom

My mom personally used Vicks on me, as a child struggling with nasal congestion, cold and flu, so I was pleased to know it’s one of the only safe things that an expecting mom  or new mom can use instead of medication when battling the cold and flu. 

What other Vicks products do you use in your motherhood toolkit?