Essential Intrapartum Newborn Care (EINC) or Unang Yakap is more important now more than ever in protecting mothers and newborns, especially among mothers who are suspected or confirmed for Covid-19 exposure or infection.
The Department of Health (DOH) said it is one with the Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS) and the Philippine Society of Newborn Medicine (PSNbM) in the advocacy of keeping mothers and infants together during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“As part of the healthcare system and the public, it is our duty to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding practices for a Healthy Pilipinas,” the DOH said.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and World Food Programme (WFP) have emphasized that the most effective way to save newborn lives is still through EINC and the promotion and protection of breastfeeding while strictly following precautions for infection prevention and control (IPC).
Since last year, UNICEF, WHO, UNFPA, and WFP urged the DOH, public health and clinical experts, professional societies, and all others involved in guidelines and policy development, funding, planning, and implementing the emergency response in the Philippines to avoid “unnecessary illness and death by ensuring that EINC and breastfeeding are not sacrificed while preventing the spread of infection.”
The UN agencies reiterated that placing newborn babies in immediate skin-to-skin contact with their mothers keep them warm, prevents exposure to diseases, and helps establish breastfeeding as a life-saving measure, especially during emergencies, including the Covid-19 outbreak.
Babies who drink only their mother’s breastmilk receive antibodies from their mothers that protect them from potentially deadly infections like pneumonia, diarrhea and sepsis.
In fact, Unang Yakap and exclusive breastfeeding are vital to IPC measures. With proper IPC, protection from infection becomes stronger, especially during challenging circumstances and emergencies.
Kangaroo mother care
The PSNbM, in accordance with the most current recommendations of WHO, Unicef and DOH on the care on the newborn during the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic, has recommended strict IPC at all levels of care.
Meanwhile, as with all confirmed or suspected Covid-19 cases, symptomatic mothers who are breastfeeding or practicing skin-to-skin contact or kangaroo mother care should observe hand hygiene and basic IPC measures.
The UN agencies stressed that when performing skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding, and any activities that involve touching or being close to the baby, infected mothers must use a medical mask, wash their hands properly before and after contact with the child, and routinely clean and disinfect surfaces which the mother has touched.
Likewise, they said that mothers should also receive the right support and guidance on proper infection and prevention control measures.
Death among babies
During emergency situations, the rates of disease and death among babies and children are higher than for any other age group.
The younger the child, the higher the risk, leaving babies under six months most vulnerable.
Babies who drink formula from an unsterile bottle or teat, or made with unclean water, can become very sick with diarrhea and die within a few hours.
The UN agencies noted that mortality is particularly high when there is a prevalence of communicable diseases and diarrhea combined with high rates of undernutrition.
Appropriate infant and young child feeding—both breastfeeding and complementary feeding—and care are fundamental in preventing malnutrition and mortality among infants and young children.
“The practice of IPC does not have to conflict with EINC and breastfeeding. In fact, EINC and breastfeeding protect against infection as long as mothers observe the basic steps to prevent the spread of coronavirus and other pathogens.”
Meanwhile, Maternal, Infant and Young Child Feeding counselling, basic psychosocial support, and practical feeding support should be provided to all pregnant women and mothers with infants and young children, whether they or their infants and young children have suspected or confirmed Covid-19.
“In addition, all pregnant mothers should have access to a safe birth, antenatal and postnatal care including postpartum family planning, and screening tests in accordance with national guidelines, especially in areas with high numbers of confirmed Covid-19 cases where access to services for pregnant women, women in labor and delivery, and lactating women is negatively impacted,” the UN agencies said.
They also called on community leaders to practice IPC in all settings and recognize the benefits of Unang Yakap and breastfeeding.
“Further, the UN agencies call on community leaders to create or strengthen networks for mothers to receive safe delivery care, and to monitor and report any donations by all breastmilk substitutes or infant formula manufacturers and all groups that may undermine breastfeeding,” they concluded.
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