Breastfeeding with Covid-19 (CoronaVirus)

During this time when the Covid-19 (CoronaVirus) pandemic is rampant, can a Mom breastfeed her baby if she has symptoms of Covid-19 (CoronaVirus) or has a (+) confirmed test result?

Yes, a Mom can still breastfeed her baby if she has Covid-19 (CoronaVirus). Breast milk provides immunity and protection against illnesses and viruses and is by far the best source of nutrition for most infants.

Transmission of Covid-19 (CoronaVirus)  during pregnancy is not likely, but after a baby is born, they are susceptible to spread from person-to-person.

 Studies show that a small percentage of neonates have tested positive for Covid-19 (CoronaVirus) soon after birth, although it is not documented if these babies contracted the Virus before or after birth.

To date, Covid-19 (CoronaVirus) has NOT been detected in breastmilk, but due to the limited amount of studies on this subject, it’s not definite whether mothers that are (+) for Covid-19 (CoronaVirus) can spread the Virus in breast milk.

If a Mom has (+) symptoms of Covid-19 (CoronaVirus)  or has been diagnosed (+) for Covid-19-(CoronaVirus)) and chooses to breastfeed directly, she should follow these recommendations from the CDC(Centers for Disease Control  and Prevention): 

• She should wash her hands before and after each time breastfeeding and/or use a sanitizer if she is unable to wash her hands with running water and soap;
• Wear a face mask.

If a Mom has (+)symptoms of Covid-19 (CoronaVirus) or has been diagnosed (+) for Covid-19 (CoronaVirus)  and chooses to pump/express breast milk, she should follow these CDC(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommendations:

• Wash her hands before handling pump and pump parts, bottles/bottle parts, and prior to expressing/pumping  breast milk;
• Wear a face mask;
• Do NOT share pump;
• Clean all pump parts after each use;
• Express/pump breast milk to establish and protect Mom’s milk supply;
• Consider having a healthy, present family member feed the pumped/expressed breast milk to the baby.

 -Michele