Every time we are getting to know a little more how the coronavirus behaves, which came to revolutionize our lives so much, and also childbirth. Given the possibility that the virus could affect the newborn, at first it was recommended to separate them at birth if the mother was infected, and they could only see them through video calls, although some hospitals did allow contact in their protocols, except in severe cases . This, without a doubt, is what caused the most anguish for women who were going to give birth.
But now, the Ministry of Health , based on the scientific evidence currently available, has decided to update the delivery care protocol according to the WHO recommendations and that the measures be the one that had been recommended before the pandemic. It advises not to separate the mother with Covid from the newborn, as well as skin-to-skin contact and to start breastfeeding during the first hour of life.
In the case of mothers with Covid
Given that there is no evidence of vertical transmission, in the Health protocol, it is recommended to maintain the usual measures of optimal neonatal care:
- Late clamping of the cord
- Immediate skin-to-skin contact
- Breastfeeding in the first hour except in those cases in which the clinical status of the mother or newborn prevents it, or an adequate mother-child isolation (mask, hand hygiene) cannot be ensured to avoid vertical transmission between mother and son.
In the case of mothers with proven or probable infection, it is recommended to avoid the separation of the mother from her newborn and to favor the joint accommodation of both in isolation, together with a companion of their choice, if possible. To prevent contact and drop infections between mother and child, hand washing and hygiene are recommended always before picking up the baby, a mask and a cot separated 2 m from the mother’s bed.
The newborn will only have to be admitted in isolation and separated from his mother when her clinical conditions so recommend, that is, in severe cases in which the mother is not in good clinical condition.
If not, it does not seem advisable to separate and avoid skin-to-skin contact, kangaroo mother care …, especially in the moments immediately after birth and during the establishment of lactation.
If the baby has symptoms
The Health protocol indicates that the symptomatic newborn should be admitted to Neonatology , in an individual room or an incubator (as a contact and drop isolation measure) and vital signs monitored.
It may be accompanied by the mother or the father , as long as they are free of Covid-19 disease, and if possible, always the same person.
If SARS-CoV-2 infection is ruled out, isolation can be withdrawn and discharge from the home will be tailored to standard clinical criteria. If confirmed, isolation will be maintained and discharge criteria will be applied as indicated.
More information | Ministry of Health
In Babies and more | The first hour of life is sacred to mother and baby
