Protect your baby from infection

Protect your baby from infection
In the first few months with your new-born, it is likely that you may suffer from infections yourself. Although breastfeeding offer baby’s extra protection against a range of illnesses, improving their chances of remaining healthy and infection free, there are some other steps that you can take to provide further security for your baby.
- Wearing a medical mask which covers both your nose and mouth, throughout contact with your baby. If this becomes damp or visibly spoiled then change to a new one and dispose of the old one appropriately
- Remember to rest, eat and drink regularly, remaining hydrated.
- If you are about to sneeze or cough, ensure you direct this away from the baby
- Clean and disinfect household surfaces frequently
- When feeding your baby, make sure it is in a comfortable and supported position with access to drink and snacks
- WASH YOUR HANDS – use soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after contact with your baby, but there is no need for a mother to wash her chest before feeding unless you have coughed directly onto herself