New Research Says Babies Need Close Contact With Parents

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, hospitals had to implement strict health protocols. Even when giving birth, healthcare protocols restrict parents from having close contact with their newborn baby. That is, if there is a suspected or confirmed infection of COVID-19.

However, new research by the World Health Organization and its partners shows that newborn babies, especially the small and sick ones, are suffering and sometimes die. That is because of the COVID-19 protocols that limit the close contact of mothers and babies.

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The importance of close contact between mothers and babies

In a study published in the Lance EclinicalMedicine, the importance o ensuring intimate contact between mothers and babies is highlighted. According to the survey, newborn babies who are too small or are born too soon need to stay close to their parents. 

The COVID-19 protocols are believed to cause higher risks for these babies. These risks could include lifelong health complications and even death.

Reports say that if the kangaroo mother's care continues to be disrupted, the risks will worsen.

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What is the kangaroo-mother care?

Several studies have proven the sound effects of kangaroo mother care. According to Queen Dube, the Director of Health at the Ministry of Health in Malawi, "Kangaroo mother care is among the best interventions to improve a premature or low birthweight baby's chances of survival, especially in low-income countries."

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COVID-19 protocols affecting

Studies show that through the kangaroo mother care, babies born early or at low birth weight, infant deaths can be reduced by 40% and severe infections by 65%, and hypothermia by more than 70%.

Studies have also shown that through kangaroo-mother care, approximately 125,000 lives of newborn babies could be saved. That is contrary to the risk of 2,000 deaths if babies will catch the COVID-19 during close contact with parents.

WHO suggestions regarding COVID-19 protocols

In the research conducted by WHO, clinical guidelines which were reviewed showed that 1/3 among the 20 guidelines recommended the separation of mothers and newborn babies. 

WHO says that they are strongly encouraging health systems worldwide to allow mothers to stay in close contact with their babies. Queen Dube said, "Much more attention is needed to ensure health practitioners and policymakers globally are aware of the need to keep mothers and babies together in these critical early days, especially for babies born too small or too soon."

Because studies show that newborns are only manifesting mild if no symptoms of COVID-19 infection, the organization advises that kangaroo mother care still be practiced.

Preterm and low birth weight babies

Around the world, babies born before they reach their 37th week are estimated to reach 15 million babies each year.

Also, around 21 million newborn babies are born at low birth weight. These newborns are born weighing below 2.5 kilograms.

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