Breastfeeding for children of mothers who are infected with SARS-CoV-2: a systematic scoping review

The aim of the present study was to perform a systematically review the literature in order to clarify whether breastfeeding is safe for babies of mothers infected with coronavirus, called SARS-CoV-2. The searches were carried out on MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE and government statements and publications and manual search of reference lists on 5 July. The title, abstracts and full text were read in duplicate by two independent researchers to verify the eligibility criteria. From 2723 records, 17 citations were included. Eleven citations guide avoiding breastfeeding in cases of maternal infection confirmed by SARS-CoV-2. Fourteen citations did not present consensus on breastfeeding and twelve citations recommended to maintain breastfeeding. Conclusion : Through the evidence found so far, it is emphasized that the mother / child separation in the neonatal period is discouraged, as it harms the maternal bond, in addition to interfering considerably in breastfeeding. Therefore, the evidence found so far is extremely low in quality and does not present quantitative evidence in one way or another with regard to vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2, there is no way to recommend, avoid or even guarantee that there will be no infection, but it is recommended to continue breastfeeding.