For Providers
COMBO was spearheaded by frontline providers and remains committed to the rapid generation and dissemination of maternal and infant health related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Medical lessons learned to-date
- Vertical transmission from women with SARS-CoV-2 infections in pregnancy is rare and even when it occurs, newborns most commonly are asymptomatic or have mild disease.
- Newborns can safely be roomed in with their SARS-CoV-2 positive mothers when adequate precautions are used. Mother should be instructed to use her mask or face covering at all times when infant is not in an isolette at least 6 feet away and should wash hands each time before cuddling with the infant.
- Direct breastfeeding of infected mothers is safe and should be encouraged with adequate precautions. Precautions consist of mother using a mask or face covering during breastfeeding, and performing breast and hand hygiene with soap and water prior to each breastfeeding session.
- Early bathing of newborns born to mothers with active COVID-19 disease is not necessary and may be harmful.