*Please note that this information is constantly evolving as more research is done. Always check for the current CDC Breastfeeding Guidelines.
Guidance on Pregnancy and COVID
Guidance on Breastfeeding and COVID
- World Health Organization
- Yes. Women with COVID-19 can breastfeed if they wish to do so. They should:
- Practice respiratory hygiene during feeding, wearing a mask where available;
- Wash hands before and after touching the baby;
- Routinely clean and disinfect surfaces they have touched.
- https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-on-covid-19-pregnancy-childbirth-and-breastfeeding
- Yes. Women with COVID-19 can breastfeed if they wish to do so. They should:
- Centers for Disease Control:
- If you are breastfeeding and have symptoms of or confirmed COVID-19, take steps to avoid spreading the virus to your baby:
- Wash your hands before touching your baby
- Wear a face mask, if possible, while feeding at the breast
- Wash your hands before touching pump or bottle parts and clean all parts after each use
- Additional information
- Info for parents: www.newmomhealth.com/coronavirus-for-new-moms
Resources for Lactation Professionals:
- International Lactation Consultant Association – ILCA Resources for Lactation Supporters Providing Infant and Young Child Feeding Advice During COVID-19
- Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine – ABM Statement on Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)
- Human Milk Banking Association of North America – Full statement on milk banking and COVID-19.
- Bartick, M. (2020) COVID-19: Separating Infected Mothers from Newborns: Weighing the Risks and Benefits. Harvard Medical School Trends in Medicine, A global perspective on medical advancements. https://trends.hms.harvard.edu/2020/03/31/covid-19-separating-infected-mothers-from-newborns-weighing-the-risks-and-benefits/
- Lactation Education Resources [Handout, Webinars] (2020), Resources for Lactation Supporters During COVID-19. https://www.lactationtraining.com/covid-19
- National WIC Association [Handout] (2020). Breastfeeding and COVID-19 Guidance. https://s3.amazonaws.com/aws.upl/nwica.org/covid_bf_3_18_2020.pdf
- Meier, P., Patel, A. [Handout] (2020). Is it Safe to Provide Milk for My NICU Baby if I Have or Have Been Exposed to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)? https://www.larsson-rosenquist.org/media/1353/2003_nicu_babies_covid19.pdf