Separating Newborns From Mothers Found Unwarranted During COVID-19

A new study published in the JAMA on October 12, 2020, found no evidence of transmission of COVID-19 from infected mothers to their rooming-in babies and direct breastfeeding when basic infection-control protocols were followed.

These findings suggest that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the separation of affected mothers and newborns may not be warranted. Furthermore, this study concluded 'direct breastfeeding appears to be safe.'

An accompanying editorial in JAMA stated: 'The balance between these risks has greater clarity now and will be considered when revisions are made to neonatal management guidance. This is exactly how the scientific method is supposed to work. We can draw solace from the knowledge that scientific processes that have worked in the past are working now and will continue to serve us as we move together into an uncertain future.'