Mother with COVID-19 infection and recommendations on breastfeeding

To date, the virus that causes COVID-19 has not been found in the milk of any mother with a suspected or confirmed infection, and for now there is no evidence that the virus is transmitted by breastfeeding.

It has been proven that breastfeeding/feeding with breastmilk reduces newborn, infant and child mortality and has a lifelong impact on immunity. In epidemics and all natural disasters, it is the most important natural resource for newborn and infant feeding. 

It is recommended that a COVID-positive mother with a milder clinical picture continue the care and breastfeeding of the child, while following specific hygienic measures:

  • Air the room for 10 minutes every 2 hours.
  • Regularly clean and disinfect the surfaces that she touches.
  • A clean mask should be worn over the nose and mouth while caring for and breastfeeding the child. The mask should be changed every 2 hours and as soon as it becomes wet. When removing the mask, the part that was adjacent to the face should not be touched. The used mask should be discarded and must not be re-used. Hands must be washed after putting on the mask.
  • Hands should be washed with water and soap for 20 seconds before each contact with the child. 
  • It is not necessary to wash the breasts before and after breastfeeding. It is enough to maintain body hygiene by showering regularly and changing the nightgown frequently. If the breasts are exposed to secretions while coughing, they must be washed with soap and water.
  • If the infected mother is without respiratory symptoms, and the baby is in the same room, the crib should be 2 m away from her bed and a divider screen should be put in between.
  • If the mother coughs or sneezes, she should preferably not be in the same room as the child. When entering the postpartum woman's room, the child's caregiver should wear a protective mask.
  • The infected mother should cough or sneeze into a paper tissue, which will immediately be discarded into a bin with a lid. After that, hand washing with water and soap for 20 seconds is required.

If the mother does not feel well enough to breastfeed the child (malaise, mild respiratory problems, temperature up to 38.5 °C), she should be provided assistance in expressing, in order for the newborn to be fed her milk. Once her clinical condition has improved, she can continue breastfeeding. Expressing also requires the mother to adhere to specific hygiene measures. 

  • A clean mask should be worn over the nose and mouth.
  • Hands should be washed with water and soap for 20 seconds before each expressing session. 
  • Expressing with a washed and sterilized pump is preferred over hand expression, as milk is less likely to be contaminated.

If the mother's clinical condition is poor, care duties should be taken over by a healthy family member, and the newborn should be fed with formula. If the mother wants to breastfeed after recovery, she should be assisted in relactation.