Breastfeeding allowed for mothers with COVID-19—DOH

MANILA, Philippines — Mothers infected with the coronavirus disease can still breastfeed their children as long as they observe proper health protocols when doing so, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Saturday.

In a DOH press briefing, Health Secretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said COVID-19 patients should wear a surgical mask during breastfeeding.

“Maaaring mag-breast-feed ng kanyang anak ang isang positive na COVID-19 patient,” Vergeire said.

(A COVID-19 patient can breastfeed their children.)

“Kailangan lang po mag-ingat si nanay. Mag-wear ng mask, kailangan at maghugas nang maigi ang kamay. Kailangang linisin nang maiigi yung gamit na gagamitin sa breastfeeding natin,”  she added.

(They just need to take precautionary measures. They should wear a mask, wash their hands properly. They need to properly clean the items needed for breastfeeding.)

Vergeire also stressed that mothers who are diagnosed with the respiratory disease should not stop breastfeeding their children as breastfeeding is best for babies.

To date, the Philippine health department said there are 307 cases of coronavirus disease in the country. Of the number, 19 were killed while five recovered from the infectious disease.