Precautions after childbirth for COVID-19

If you are expected or confirmed to have COVID19, extra precautions will be needed during delivery and right after the birth of your baby: 

• Wear a face mask when holding and feeding your baby after birth.  
• Holding your baby skin-to-skin immediately after birth will keep your baby warm and breathing well, help him or her reach the breast easily, and help you and your baby feel close. 
• Wash hands Before and after caring for your baby.
• Begin breastfeeding within the first hour of birth. Early breastfeeding helps the baby learn to breastfeed while the breast is still soft. 
• Colostrum, the thick yellowish first milk protects your baby from illness and infections. 
• Stay together with your newborn during the whole time you are in the hospital or clinic, which will help with skin-skin, and baby’s warmth and facilitate breastfeeding. This is called rooming-in. 
• Breastfeed frequently to help your breast milk ‘come in’ and to ensure plenty of breast milk.  Only feeding breastmilk  in the first 6 months is sufficient to support the healthy growth and development of your child. 
• Do not give water or other liquids or fluids, such as tea, cow’s milk, infant formula, or juice to your baby during the first days after birth. They are not necessary and are dangerous for your newborn’s health.