Qatar’s Public Health Ministry has announced it has issued new guidelines for pregnant women and new mums in light of the Coronavirus outbreak in the country. Among other things, the guidelines say new mothers with Coronavirus can breastfeed their children. However, they should wear a mask if available during feeding and wash hands before and after they touch their child. They should also continually clean and disinfect surfaces they have touched. If they cannot feed their baby because they are too sick, they should be helped to feed them alternatively. This might include expressing milk, relactation and donor human milk. Mothers with new-borns can hold them if they hold them skin to skin and cover their mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when they cough or sneeze and dispose of the used tissue immediately.. Mothers should share a room with their new born but wash their hands before and after they touch their baby and keep all surfaces clean. To reduce the risk of contracting Coronavirus pregnant women should washing their hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water and keeping a safe distance between themselves and avoid crowded spaces. They should avoid touching their eyes, noses or mouths and cover their mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when they cough or sneeze and dispose of the used tissue immediately. Pregnant women with fever, cough or breathing difficulties should seek medical advice/assistance.
However, they should call before going to a health facility and follow the advice of their healthcare professional. Pregnant women and those who have recently given birth should attend their routine care appointments but check with their healthcare professional first.
Those wanting more information can also contact 16000 or visit www.moph.gov.qa.
