Rooming-in and direct breastfeeding are not recommended for mothers with suspected or confirmed COVlD-19 until the possibility of infection is excluded or isolation measures lifted. Newborns are suggested to be isolated for 10-14 days, with their conditions under close observation. lf any discomfort occurs, the newborn should be treated in time.

Direct breastfeeding is not suggested to a mother in self-isolation for potential exposure to COVlD-19. The mother is then recommended to express breast milk regularly to ensure lactation before resuming breastfeeding until the possibility of infection is ruled out or she has recovered from COVlD-19.

According to the World Health Organization, a breastfeeding mother in isolation may express breast milk to feed her infant with good hygiene:

(1) Wear a mask properly when expressing breast milk.

(2) Clean and disinfect nipples thoroughly, and practice hand hygiene before and after expressing breast milk.

(3) Place expressed breast milk in a clean container sterilized at high temperature before each use.

(4) Breast milk may be pasteurized (60℃, 30 minutes)or heated to 82-85℃ for 15 seconds before being cooled down to feed the infant.