5 Ways to Protect Your Newborn from COVID – 19
Children, despite being nearly 25% of the US population, represent only 1.7 percent of diagnosed COVID-19 cases, according to the CDC. Those children who contract coronavirus generally exhibit milder symptoms and recover quicker. In Utah, there have been very few hospitalizations of children under 15 years of age for COVID-19.
The physicians at Utah Valley Pediatrics understand that expecting parents may feel nervous about delivering a baby during this time. There are things you can do to be careful and to help protect yourself and your baby.
Take Care of Yourself
We know that people with preexisting conditions—such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease—are more likely to get severe illness with COVID-19. While diet and exercise don’t sound very exciting, a healthier body is your first line of defense. In addition to diet and exercise, experts recommend you get seven to eight hours of sleep each night to keep your immune system strong. Stress can also affect your immune system. If you find yourself stressed out by the constant barrage of negative news, turn off your TV, Radio, Internet and Social Media for a day and take a digital vacation. You will be surprised how calming that can be.
Mindful Breastfeeding
Over 80 percent of infants in America are breastfed. A source of essential nutrition, breastmilk safeguards against everyday infections while providing babies with physical and emotional benefits. Healthcare authorities indicate moms should breastfeed their babies even if they have the coronavirus. However, precautions should be taken, including wearing a facemask and fastidious handwashing.
The Great Outdoors
A majority of people surveyed favor staying at home during the pandemic. However, getting yourself out into the sunlight is essential for making vitamin D, a crucial ingredient for a robust immune system and bone development. Your baby will get his or her vitamin D from breast milk/formula and vitamin D drops. You want to limit his or her sun exposure since babies get sunburned more easily. Make sure your baby stays in the shade and wears sun protective clothing. If your baby will be out in the sun you can use sunscreen under six months old. Before you do, we recommend putting a tiny patch on his or her leg, exposing it to sunlight for a minute or two and then give it a day to make sure no rash develops. You don’t want to put something on your baby’s skin that he or she is allergic to.
Keep Your Distance
When venturing outdoors, select parks, trails, or sidewalks where you can keep your infant free from close contact with others. Inside or out, try to limit contact between strangers or extended family with your newborn until he or she is at least two months old. Practice good handwashing techniques and stay away from anyone who is obviously sick.
The Importance of Immunization
Living in a world with coronavirus should reinforce how vital it is for you to keep up on your baby’s scheduled pediatric visits. Keep in mind that any disruptions to immunizations can result in outbreaks of other infections. At Utah Valley Pediatrics, we’re open and safe. We are sterilizing rooms between visits, screening patients at the door, and having separate time blocks for well and sick visits. Our goal is to keep your child healthy and treat him or her as we would treat our own family members.
Don’t let current events prevent you from enjoying this unique experience of giving birth. Just remember, by taking care of yourself, breastfeeding when you can, spending quality time outdoors, social distancing with your baby, and staying current on immunizations, you can stay healthy and happy. If you have any questions, give us a call, we have someone answering the phone 24/7.
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If you are a first-time expecting mom living in Utah County, click the button, which will direct you to the form to fill out to qualify to pick up your free diaper backpack at a nearby Utah Valley Pediatrics office.
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