Abstract
Justification
Recent research has provided evidence for lack of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through human milk and breastfeeding. Updating the practice guidelines will help in providing appropriate advice and support regarding breastfeeding during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Objectives
To provide evidence-based guidelines to help the healthcare professionals to advise optimal breastfeeding practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Process
Formulation of key questions was done under the chairmanship of President of the IAP. It was followed by review of literature and the recommendations of other international and national professional bodies. Through Infant and Young child (IYCF) focused WhatsApp group opinion of all members was taken. The final document was prepared after the consensus and approval by all members of the committee.
Recommendations
The IYCF Chapter of IAP strongly recommends unabated promotion, protection and support to breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic with due precautions.
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Contributions
Contributors: All authors were part of the IAP IYCF team that formulated the guidelines. KB, RMB, ST, RS: conceived the guidelines, prepared the agenda, and executed administratively. KB and RMB: led the discussions and all the members actively participated. RMB, AB, AAK, HBM: reviewed the literature on national and international guidelines. RMB, KB: wrote the first draft. The first draft was peer reviewed by ST, RS, MP, UB, AB, JS, OK, DG, GVB, RK, PG: provided intellectual inputs and overall guidance at every step; PG, GVB, RK: provided the administrative support from the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) and coordinated between the team and executive board members of IAP. The final document was drafted and edited by KB and RMB. All authors approved the final recommendations of the guidelines.
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Bharadva, K., Bellad, R.M., Tiwari, S. et al. Breastfeeding in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Position Statement of Indian Academy of Pediatrics and Infant and Young Child Feeding Chapter. Indian Pediatr 59, 58–62 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13312-022-2422-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13312-022-2422-8