Breastfeeding with suspected/confirmed COVID-19

Breast milk provides antibodies that give babies everywhere a healthy boost and protect them against many infections. Antibodies and bio-active factors in breast milk may fight against COVID-19 infection, if baby is exposed. In addition, the corona virus has not been found in breast milk, and transmission via breastfeeding has not been demonstrated.  

1. Close contact and early, exclusive breastfeeding helps your baby to thrive. If you are about to have a baby, you should be supported to breastfeed safely, hold your newborn skin-to-skin, and share a room with your baby.  

2. You can breastfeed safely with appropriate hygiene precautions: practice respiratory hygiene during feeding, wearing a mask if it is available; wash hands before and after touching your baby; and routinely clean and disinfect surfaces you have touched.  

3. If you are too unwell to breastfeed, there are other ways to safely provide your baby with breast milk, including expressing milk and donor human milk, if available in your area. Ask your breastfeeding counselor or healthcare professional to guide you through options available. If you are unable to maintain your milk supply while you are sick, it may be possible to restart breastfeeding after you recover.  

4. Breastfeeding boosts the child’s immune system, and the mother’s antibodies are passed on Br_ to the child through breast milk, helping the child fight infections. If your infant or young child becomes sick with COVID-19 or any other illness, you should continue breastfeeding.