Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1425002
The clinic identified all babies born to mothers positive for COV ID-19 at delivery at three NewYork-Presbyterian Hospita ls from Ma rch 22 to May 17. There were 106 mothers referred to the clinic. Mothers were allowed to practice skin-to-skin care and breastfeed, but followed strict mask wearing and hygiene practices. The babies were also kept in closed isolettes next to their mothers unless medically required to be removed. Babies were tested for SARS-CoV-2 by use of real-time PCR on nasopharyngeal swabs at one day, one week and two weeks old. Out of the 82 babies born to COVID- 19 -positive mothers who completed fol low-ups, none tested positive for COVID-19. Findings from this study were consistent with other small case series that suggest transmission from infected mothers is rare if infection precautions are taken. " Wit h proper precautions, babies are going to be protected and likely not develop infection," Dr. Salvatore says. "Breastfeeding is a beneficia l tool we have for babies that should be pursued and advised. Even if the mother has a COV ID -19 i n fection, we shou ld not remove that nutrition element for a baby if the mother wishes to use it." IMPLICATIONS FOR STANDARD OF CARE Healthcare providers can take what we now know about perinatal transmission a nd apply it to patient ca re. During prenatal care appointments, physicians can discuss the importance of following p r e v e n t i o n m e a s u r e s t o r e d u c e COV ID -19 risk, including frequent h a ndw a s h i n g , m a s k we a r i n g a nd avoiding crowds where social distancing isn't possible. If a pregnant woman gets COVID-19, the risk of her transmitting the infection to her baby is extremely rare if proper precautions are ta ken. Providers can advise mothers to wear surgical masks and followed proper hand and breast hygiene around their babies until they are no longer infectious. Additiona lly, hea lthca re providers should a lso be especia lly sensitive as women positive for COVID-19 navigate the difficult time after birth, Dr. Salvatore says. " This isn't ea sy for new mothers," Dr. Salvatore says. "Mothers can't kiss their babies, and babies can't see their mothers. It's intense from a medical and emotional perspective for both parents and doctors." Especially during the first 12 months after delivery — even more so during the COVID-19 pandemic — OB/GYNs and other healthcare professionals should evaluate new mothers for mental health concerns and offer support options. While research is still ongoing and our knowledge is building rega rding this novel disease, the data that is being obtained continues to guide the standard of care and to help providers establish more evidence-based strategies to protect new-born patients. n A S i g h o f R e l i e f In one study of 106 infants born to mothers who tested positive for COVID-19, and who subsequently roomed in with their mothers, 82 infants were available to follow-up. Not one of those 82 infants contracted COVID-19. M D N E W S . C O M /// M D N E W S L O N G I S L A N D ■ 2 0 21 2 3 SPECIAL CLINICAL SECTION: PEDIATRICS