Reproducing in the time of the Rona
There are so many questions unanswered about the coronavirus it’s easy to spiral down a rabbit hole of information and misinformation in search of answers. While there are not yet clear recommendations specific to pregnant people, it’s important to share what is known. Expecting parents have enough to worry about without being pregnant in the time of coronavirus, so here’s a run down of what we know about this rapidly evolving situation from people working the front lines and other reliable sources of information.
What We Know
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recently published statements about COVID-19 and pregnancy. Though the currently available data is very limited there is some good news.
pregnant women are not believed to be at a higher risk for COVID-19.
However, the assumption is that pregnant women have a higher risk with flu and SARS so pregnant women should still be considered high risk for these known viruses. This is the latest information available at press time, but could change as the situation evolves.
Tests have not yet found COVID-19 in amniotic fluid
The data available is too limited to say for sure whether or not COVID-19 can pass from mom to baby in the womb, but tests have not found it in amniotic fluid. Fingers crossed tests of amniotic fluid continue to come back negative.
In the few cases of babies born to mom with COVID-19, these babies do not test positive themselves once born.
However measures are taken to separate any COVID-19 positive mom from newborn after delivery. Other precautionary measures like proper hand washing, isolating as much as possible once home and breastfeeding with a mask and gloves are still recommended. Better still, if you can pump breast milk and have someone who is healthy bottle feed baby. Everybody wins.
studies do not show COVID 19 is passed through breastmilk!
There are only a few studies but, you can be confident that getting breast milk to baby in whatever form possible is still the best way to get them the antibodies that protect against illness, enzymes to support digestive and immune systems and white blood cells that fight infection. In addition to all other good stuff not present in formula that help develop healthy sleep-wake patterns, baby’s brain, nervous system eyes, a healthy gut biome, promote bonding, regulate appetite and may support organ development and repair. In the time of Coronavirus breast is still best.
Steps You can Take
Stock Up
Prep your nest with a supply of Milk Made Tea for when you return home with your baby. Milk Made should only be consumed after delivery. If you’re looking for a good pre-labor prep our Afterbirth Tea will give your uterus the strength it needs for what you’re about to do and is safe to consume in the weeks before delivering. Both are included in the labor & delivery box with other natural essentials for labor and delivery.
Embrace nesting
Continue staying home and practicing social distancing. You probably have a list of projects you would like to complete before baby’s arrival. Now is a great time to stay home and get them done. Stay safe of course. Limit interaction with harmful chemicals, get someone else to lift heavy items and if you need to acquire things shop online and have items delivered as much as possible.
Wash your hands. The right way
Stay Calm
Stress can harm your baby and is associated with preterm birth. Do what you can to stay calm. This too shall pass.
S/o to Dr. Ada Adejoro of Philadelphia for posting this info from her IG. Give her a follow for updates from the front lines. John Hopkins University created the Coronavirus resource center if you want to see the state of the world but can’t keep watching the daily press conferences and the CDC publishes new guidance daily. Regularly check these resources as the situation continues to evolve.
Photo by Chris Benson on Unsplash