Nursery placed in QC quarantine facility for moms with COVID-19

A nursery has been placed inside a quarantine facility in Quezon City (QC) to help mothers, who are either suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases, cope with the longing to be with their newborn children.

According to Saleema Refran's report on "24 Oras", the nursery has cribs, diapers, clothes, and stuffed toys that were all donated by the private sector.

“Ayaw naman natin na nakahalo ‘yung ating mga nanay at mga sanggol dahil they are at risk to be infected with the virus, so ito dine-dedicate natin para mabigyan natin sila ng special care and attention,” councilor and facility coordinator Aly Medalla said.

Two babies recently born at the Novaliches District Hospital (NDH) were brought to the neonatal intensive care unit because their mothers are probable COVID-19 cases.

At the QC General Hospital (QCGH), 10 babies are also in intensive care because their mothers are confirmed, suspected, or probable COVID-19 cases.

“Kinakailangan i-separate natin ‘yung baby at saka ‘yung nanay for at least 14 days. There is a probable chance na baka mahawa si baby through [the] nasal droplet route,” Dr. Richard Jordias from the NDH said.

“Medyo mahirap kasi hindi niya makikita ‘yung anak niya pagkapanganak kasi kinakailangan ma-isolate ‘yung bata sa kaniya,” he added.

A special breastfeeding room will also be set up at the nursery.

“Wala pa rin pong pag-aaral na nakukuha natin ‘yung COVID-19 through breastfeeding,” QCGH Human Milk Bank head Dr. Shahani Duque assured.

“So ang mga nanay na may COVID, basta able, wala po silang nararamdaman, mag-practice lang tayo ng mga precautions, puwedeng puwede pong mag-breastfeed.”

According to the QC Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, four babies have tested positive for COVID-19, the youngest of whom is only two months old.

They are currently being treated in hospitals. -Julia Mari Ornedo/NB, GMA News