WHO urges mothers to breastfeed even if infected with COVID-19

Addis Ababa, August 4, 2020 (FBC) – World Health Organization has urged mothers to breastfeed their babies even if they have contracted COVID 19.

WHO underlined that the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the risks of infection from coronavirus.

Director General of WHO Tedros Adhanom said breastfeeding is recommended to mothers with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Mothers should be encouraged to initiate or continue breastfeeding, Tedros noted.

As the world marks breastfeeding awareness week, Tedros said “the many benefits of breastfeeding for newborn babies and children substantially outweigh the potential risks of COVID-19 infections”.