Jakarta - In Indonesia, the number of positive COVID-19 patients to date has reached 664,930 cases (data as of December 20, 2020). This number includes a daily addition of 6,982 new positive cases from the previous day (December 19, 2020).

Pregnant women (Bumil) and breastfeeding mothers (Busui) are groups that are vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus. Some research states that pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers tend to be vulnerable to viral infections due to hormonal changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding, which affect their immunity.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also affected breastfeeding mothers. Breastfeeding mothers are hesitant to provide exclusive breastfeeding because they are worried about being confirmed with COVID-19. Whereas there is no doubt that exclusive breastfeeding is an important nutrient needed in the process of child growth and development.

Breast milk is recommended to be given until the child is 2 years old. In fact, in babies aged 6-8 months, 2/3 of their energy needs are met through breast milk. Whereas in babies aged 9-12 months, breast milk fulfills 1/2 of their energy needs. In children 1-2 years old, breast milk fulfills 1/3 of their energy needs.

Breast milk as the best food for babies is the perfect main source of nutrition because it contains 6% protein, 39% carbohydrates, and 55% fat that can be directly absorbed by the body. Breast milk also contains protective substances, namely immunoglobulin A (IgA), whose immunity benefits can be directly felt by the child.

Likewise, lactoferrin, lysozyme, lactobacillus bifidus, and various other nutrients not only play a role in increasing the child's immune system to be strong against various viruses, diseases, infections, but also to protect against allergies or diseases. According to a study, exclusive breastfeeding for at least 6 months can reduce the risk of allergies in children by up to 50%.

Breastfeeding confirmed positive for COVID-19, is it safe to breastfeed?

• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), until now there has been no evidence or case reports of vertical transmission of breastfeeding to children through breast milk. The COVID-19 virus has never been found in breast milk of confirmed positive mothers. Let's educate breastfeeders around you, so that breastfeeders (including breastfeeders with COVID-19) continue to breastfeed directly by implementing the following health protocols:
• Maintain respiratory health and use a mask when breastfeeding to prevent saliva splashing on the child when talking, coughing, and sneezing,
• Wash your hands before and after touching your child with running water and soap to kill the coronavirus that may be attached to your hands,
• Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces with disinfectant, and
• Practice proper coughing and sneezing etiquette.

If a breastfeeding mother who has contracted COVID-19 feels unwell to breastfeed directly, breastfeeding can be done in the following safe ways:

1. Self-isolation
2. Not doing IMD (Early Breastfeeding Initiation),
3. Carry out temporary separate care,
4. roviding expressed breast milk through pumping so that there is no direct contact with the child,
5. Seeking or requesting breast milk donors from healthy mothers,
6. After the self-isolation period ends, it is hoped that Busui can breastfeed again (relactation) with the following breastfeeding steps:

· Adjusting the position of the attachment is that the baby's chin touches the breast, the mouth is wide open, the lower lip is folded out, most of the areola, especially those below, enter the baby's mouth, so as not to cause pain to the nipple.

· Doing skin to skin contact which is Busui doing touch / direct contact between the skin with the baby.

LANCAR ASI Commitment to Smoothing Mother's Love

In conjunction with National Mother's Day which is celebrated today, December 22, 2020, the Indonesian General Practitioners Association (PDUI) together with PT Mecosin Indonesia appreciates the struggle and willingness of mothers in breastfeeding their babies, especially those who decide to provide exclusive breastfeeding. Of course, it is not easy for Breastfeeding and may even often encounter various obstacles in carrying out the commitment to provide the best nutrition for Mommy's child.

LANCAR ASI from PT Mecosin Indonesia has been committed since 1997 to accompanying mothers throughout Indonesia to help launch mother's love through breast milk. LANCAR ASI contains 200 mg of Katuk Leaf Extract (EDK) which contains polyphenol.

This substance is proven to increase the work of the prolactin hormone which functions to increase breast milk production. If you have a breastfeeding acquaintance who has problems with milk production, don't hesitate to recommend LANCAR ASI which has helped thousands of breastfeeding mothers in Indonesia.

This is in line with PT Mecosin Indonesia's commitment as the best herbal company in Indonesia that has been trusted for decades to maintain the health of the Indonesian people, in order to realize the creation of the nation's next generation who are healthy and have a good immune system. Happy Mother's Day to breastfeeding mothers throughout Indonesia. Best wishes for good health.

Source : https://health.detik.com/berita-detikhealth/d-5303811/menyusui-asi-di-masa-pandemi-bolehkah