Thread by @WHO

Newborns need close contact with parents, especially mothers, after birth.

However, in many countries, if #COVID19 infections are confirmed or suspected, newborn 👶 are separated from their mothers, ↗️ risk of death & complications.

🆕 research:
👉 bit.ly/3cycZ7y

Keeping women & babies together could save more than 125,000 👶 lives.

For babies born preterm or at low birthweight, kangaroo mother care (early, prolonged skin-to-skin contact with a parent & exclusive breastfeeding 🤱) is particularly critical.

👉 bit.ly/3cycZ7y

Among infants 👶 born preterm or at low birthweight, kangaroo mother care 🤱 has been shown to:
↘️ infant deaths by as much as 4⃣0⃣%
↘️ hypothermia by more than 7⃣0⃣%
↘️ severe infections by 6⃣5⃣%

👉 bit.ly/3cycZ7y

🧕 should continue to share a room with their 👶 from birth & be able to breastfeed & practice skin-to-skin contact - even when #COVID19 infections are suspected or confirmed. They should be supported to ensure appropriate infection prevention practices.
👉bit.ly/3cycZ7y

Evidence suggests that disruptions to kangaroo mother care may already be worryingly widespread. This is especially the case in the poorest countries where the greatest number of preterm births and infant deaths occur.

👉 bit.ly/3cycZ7y

#COVID19 infection during pregnancy 🤰 may result in increased risk of preterm birth, which means it is more important than ever to ensure the right care is given to support preterm babies 👶 and their parents 👩‍🦰

👉 bit.ly/3cycZ7y