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My wife has been tested COVID positive and is symptomatic with slight fever and cough. We have a 1 month old infant who is on mother's feed. Is it OK for the mother to continue feeding and keep the baby close?
This family should make sure that their pediatrician is aware of this event so that they can manage any problems that might arise in the baby while the mother and baby are in isolation. The mother-infant bonding during the first few weeks and months of life of the baby is very important. Breastfeeding is the best form of nutrition for the baby. As long as mom is only experiencing the mild or moderate symptoms but is otherwise doing well, then I would have the mother and infant continue with their isolation together and breastfeeding. Discontinuation of isolation can be upon the following criteria:
- At least 10 days have passed since their symptoms first appeared (up to 20 days if they have more severe to critical illness or are severely immunocompromised), and
- At least 24 hours have passed since their last fever without the use of antipyretics (such as ibuprofen or Tylenol), and
- Their other symptoms have improved.
The reasons for separating the mother-infant would be if the mother or infant became too ill and needed a higher level of care, so that is why having the pediatrician alerted will be helpful for them to be aware and so that decisions can be made quickly if the status of your baby changes.
Here is the link for CDC’s Guidance on newborns.
