Vitamin K is an essential intervention recommended for all newborns to prevent Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB), and has been part of newborn care since 1961. Unfortunately, parental refusal of neonatal vitamin K has been increasing. Furthermore, higher refusal rates are associated with an increase in cases of VKDB and intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain), which can be life-threatening or result in neurological impairment. Before delaying or refusing the vitamin K injection, consider the horrible outcomes of this decision.

While this issue has come to the forefront in light of the question of COVID-19 vaccination, it is the same dilemma we have with almost every new drug with regard to pregnancy and lactation. We agree with the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine’s mantra: it’s time we protected these women through research, not from it.

Even in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, breastfeeding is still safe and highly recommended. Current guidelines from all of the major health organizations, including the World Health Organization, UNICEF, The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the CDC, are in agreement that mothers can and should breastfeed their newborns even if they are positive for COVID-19. 

Below is an interesting article characterizing transfer of Corona Virus to infant in perinatal period.  Maybe we don't need to separate moms and babies...  TWH

 

 

Maternal transmission of SARS-COV-2 to the neonate, and possible routes for such transmission: a systematic review and critical analysis

More research is being done on prevention of early menopause and a study recently published in JAMA found that pregnancy and breastfeeding may decrease risk of early menopause.