The results of a recent study on the possible transmission of Coronavirus through breastfeeding triggered a worldwide scientific debate, after confirming through repeated testing that the virus can be transmitted through breast milk.
This study, published by the magazine “The Lancet”, and published on the “Newsweek” website, is the first to show the presence of the virus in breast milk. Milk samples were taken from two breastfeeding women infected with the virus in Germany and were analyzed using a very sophisticated technique to detect and measure the RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) levels of the virus or hereditary genes. These tests were repeated for four consecutive days and proved positive, demonstrating that breast milk is a potential carrier of the Coronavirus.
According to the experts who conducted the study, more detailed analyses are needed, just as more breastfeeding mothers and virus carriers will have to be examined before a final decision can be made on the question of Coronavirus transmission via breast milk.
The examined mothers had been wearing masks since they began showing symptoms of the disease and took all necessary precautions before breastfeeding, including sterilization and cleaning of their hands and breasts.
It should be noted that since the beginning of the epidemic, the question of whether the virus could be transmitted from mother to infant has always been raised, but many scientists have confirmed that there is no evidence of this, while others have stated that while the chances of such transmission are minimal, they are far from excluded.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended separating infected mothers from their infants, pumping milk into bottles and avoiding direct breastfeeding, while the World Health Organization has allowed sick mothers to stay in the same room with their babies and breastfeed them naturally after taking all precautions, given the importance of breastfeeding for the health of the child.
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