Biomedical practices in a human milk bank during the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic

experience report

Abstract

Breastfeeding is essential in reducing neonatal mortality. The human milk banks (HMB), in addition to their performance in the collection and processing of milk, also promote actions to protect and support breastfeeding. This study aimed to report the practices of biomedical residents in a HMB of a child-friendly hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of this scenario, all protocols of the BLH have been revised. As activities developed at the BLH in this period, were the reception and registration of nursing mothers at scheduled times to avoid crowding and the mandatory use of a mask; and compliance with all hygiene measures by donors was essential to avoid contamination. The stages of human milk processing have not been altered, since they were already carried out with strict quality control. Due to social isolation, there was a significant reduction in the attraction of external donors and, consequently, a decrease in the amount of milk for distribution. Questions about the possible protection by neutralizing antibodies from the mother as well as the possibility of infection through breast milk were outstanding. Despite this, in updates, the World Health Organization has not recommended mother-infant separation. However, donation by women with suspected infection was contraindicated. In this context, still remains a challenge to increase the number of donor breastfeeding mothers and milk collected, therefore, it is necessary to adopt strategies that reverse this state, covering the entire multidisciplinary team and society.