Postnatal Care during COVID-19 – English

The document provides essential guidelines for postnatal care during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on maintaining the health of both the mother and the newborn. It emphasizes the importance of breastfeeding, highlighting that even mothers suspected or confirmed with COVID-19

should continue breastfeeding while adhering to safety measures like handwashing, wearing masks, and disinfecting surfaces. If the mother is too ill to breastfeed directly, she should express milk to ensure the newborn continues to receive the necessary nutrition. The guidelines also outline safety protocols for visitors post-delivery, emphasizing the need for limited and controlled access to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Visitors with any respiratory symptoms should be restricted from entering health facilities or homes. Additionally, proper hygiene practices, such as frequent hand washing, are mandated for all visitors to protect the health of the newborn and the mother.

Furthermore, the document discusses immunization practices during the pandemic, stressing the continuation of essential vaccinations for newborns while following social distancing and hygiene protocols. In areas classified as containment or buffer zones, specific modifications to immunization sessions are recommended to prevent the spread of the virus while ensuring that children receive their vaccinations on schedule.

Finally, the document provides practical advice on complementary feeding, proper child care, and the recognition of danger signs in newborns. It advises starting complementary feeding at six months and stresses the importance of hygiene in food preparation and feeding. Additionally, it educates mothers on signs that could indicate severe health issues in newborns, urging immediate medical attention if such signs are observed.