Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for babies and protects them from illness. Disruption of breastfeeding can contribute to a drop in the milk supply, the infant’s refusal to breastfeed, and a decrease in breastmilk protective immune factors. But mothers would understandably worry and question if COVID-19 can be spread by breastmilk and what they can do to protect themselves and their children.
Here’s what you need to know everything about BreastFeeding and COVID-19:
Can COVID-19 be transmitted through breast milk?
Studies so far have found that COVID-19 is not present in breast milk. However, it can spread through the respiratory pathway. And now it’s just because of the infectious nature of this disease that other precautions will have to take.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stresses that while recent evidence indicates that COVID-19 cannot transmit by breast milk. There are still many unanswered questions about the virus.
Limited studies have been performing on breastfeeding mothers with COVID-19. In a small study of nine pregnant women in Wuhan, China, with confirmed COVID-19, researchers found no signs of the virus in their breast milk, cord blood, or amniotic fluid.
In a systematic review published by the World Health Organization (WHO) of 46 mothers with COVID-19 and their children, 43 samples of breast milk from mothers tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 were found, The virus that triggers COVID-19, while three samples had viral particles. Of the three babies whose mother’s milk contains virus particles, one was tested positive for COVID-19. However, the researchers noticed that it was unclear if the baby had been infected with breast milk or was in close contact with the mother.
WHO recommendations about BreastFeeding and COVID-19
WHO advises that mothers with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should be encouraged to initiate or continue breastfeeding. Mothers should recommend that the benefits of breastfeeding far outweigh the possible dangers of transmission.
Mother and baby should be allowed to stay together during the day and night and practice skin-to-skin contact, including caring for mothers, especially immediately after birth and during breastfeeding, If they or their babies suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
Benefits of breastfeeding during a pandemic
For children, breast milk helps protect against gastrointestinal, lung, and ear infections, allergic disorders, and leukemia. It is also helpful for optimal neurodevelopment. For mothers, breastfeeding helps protect against breast, ovarian and endometrial cancer, and heart disease, and diabetes.
- Breastfeeding is good for children. It saves them from a lot of diseases. Although it is still not clear if breastmilk protects infants from COVID-19, Also, breastfed babies are less likely to develop severe respiratory problems when they get sick.
- Breastfeeding is a good thing for mothers. Hormones produced in the body of the mother during breastfeeding encourage wellness and can reduce stress and anxiety.
- Breast milk is readily available. No need to buy! This may be important during public health crises, when it may be more difficult to purchase formula and other food supplies.
Can baby continue breastfeeding or drinking expressed breast milk if their mothers test positive for COVID-19?
Babies can still get breast milk even though you have a positive COVID-19 test. Breast milk is safe and valuable to the child.
- Direct breastfeeding: Clean your hands with soap and water before holding the baby, and wear a cloth covering your face when you are breastfeeding. Holding the infant skin-to-skin helps the baby lock up and trigger the release of milk.
- Breast milk pumping: Put on a cloth face mask, wash your hands properly, and clean any pump parts, bottles, and artificial nipples. Express milk as often as your baby drinks, or at least 6 to 8 times every 24 hours. Expressed milk should be fed to your infant by a healthy caregiver. Remember all caregivers to wash their hands properly before touching bottles, feeding, or caring for your infant. Remember to clean the breast pump after each use, following the CDC guidelines.
How can moms maintain their milk supply if they are sick with COVID-19?
Hand pumping and hand-expressing breast milk are especially useful in the first few days after your baby is born to get the milk supply going. Frequent pumping (or breastfeeding if you have opted to breastfeed directly and are following the strict precautions noted above) should align with your baby’s feeding requirements, approximately 8-10 times over 24 hours.
Most drugs are safe to take while breastfeeding, but please consult with your doctor.
While this can be stressful, try to be positive, and practice healthy habits to reduce stress as much as possible. This includes getting enough sleep, eating a lot of nutritious food, and getting enough exercise.
Ask your paediatrician for guidance about Breast Feeding and COVID-19.
Do not hesitate to ask for help if you have food, nipple pain, insufficient milk supply, or any other questions.
How should mothers clean their breast pumps?
As for the pump and parts, “cleaning them regularly and doing well is essential,” says Aline Holmes, D.N.P., N.P., associate professor at the Rutgers School of Nursing, who specializes in emergency preparedness. Specifically, the CDC advises that you sanitize your pump parts with either steam or allow them to boil in hot water for five minutes before removing the tong parts.
If you would like to take a further measure, Dr Ganjian suggests diluting bleach with water in a spray bottle(You can do half a teaspoon of bleach in a regular bottle), spray the pump parts, let it rest for two minutes, and then clean it well with soap and water.
Safety Tips for Breast Feeding and COVID-19
Mothers with COVID-19 or with symptoms of infection have to take the following steps while breastfeeding or expressing breast milk.
- Avoid people who are sick.
- Cover your nose and mouth while you cough or sneeze (using your elbow crook is a safe technique) and throw away any tissue you use instantly and wash your hands properly.
- Wear a mask for any contact, including a breastfeeding baby.
- Wash hands for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based sanitizer containing 60 to 95 per cent alcohol before and after feeding (both feeding at the breast and expressing milk). Wash your hands well when soiled.
- Clean and disinfect the countertop, outside the pump and pump kit, as mentioned above.
- If the mother has coughed or sneezed on her uncovered chest or breast, cleanse the skin that may come into contact with the baby or pump.
- Clean and disinfect other areas that the baby may touch.
The Bottom Line
The main threat for an infant is to catch the infection from near contact with the mother or another infected family member. When anyone is infectious in the home, take extra care to protect your child.
During breastfeeding, some mothers may choose to wear a mask as a routine to ensure that their infant is fully protected. If a mother fears that she may have contracted coronavirus, she may want to express her breastmilk and feed the baby with a clean cup or cup and spoon.
