COVID-19: Challenges for maternal child care and exclusive breastfeeding in the neonatal period

Abstract

Introduction: The new coronavirus, called SARS-CoV-2, is still multiplying at an accelerated rate in some countries, thereby causing impacts on the quality of life of the population. Vertical or breast milk transmissibility is still a controversial issue, which, given the uncertainties, can undermine the team/family/mother/ newborn interaction, and the provision of breastfeeding in the first hours of life and its continuity in the neonatal period. Objective: To discuss the challenges of maternal and child health and breastfeeding in the context of the pandemic caused by COVID-19. Methodology: Descriptive study, in which newsletters, ordinances and manuscripts related to breastfeeding and maternal and neonatal care for the prevention and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 were checked. Results: The challenges run through prenatal care, childbirth and the puerperium due to assistance difficulties, protection measures for the binomial, social vulnerability and non-compliance with the recommendations. Conclusions: The difficulties found in the pandemic may reflect on maternal health, on the promotion of breastfeeding, and on the quality of food and nutrition of the newborn.

Keywords: Coronavirus Infection; Milk, Human; Breast Feeding; Maternal and Child Health.