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Breastfeeding During the COVID-19 Pandemic
By: Temitope Awelewa, MBCHB, MPH, FAAP, IBCLC
Breastfeeding can offer many perks, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can even breastfeed if you test positive for COVID-19 or are not fully vaccinated, as long as you take extra safety precautions to protect your baby.
Benefits of breastfeeding during a pandemic
- Breastfeeding is good for babies. It protects them from many infections. It is not proven that breastmilk protects babies from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. However, several studies have found antibodies that target the virus in human milk. In addition, breastfed infants are generally less likely to have severe respiratory symptoms when they get sick.
- Breastfeeding is good for moms. Hormones released in the mother's body during breastfeeding promote wellness and can relieve stress and anxiety.
- Breast milk is readily available. No purchase necessary! This can be important during public health emergencies, when it can be more challenging to buy formula and other feeding supplies.
Do I need to take extra precautions while breastfeeding if I'm vaccinated against COVID?
If you’re fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you do not need to take any special precautions when feeding your baby at the breast or expressing milk. However, if you have symptoms of COVID or have had close contact with someone who has the illness, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing a mask.
Breastfeeding During the COVID-19 Pandemic
By: Temitope Awelewa, MBCHB, MPH, FAAP, IBCLC
Breastfeeding can offer many perks, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can even breastfeed if you test positive for COVID-19 or are not fully vaccinated, as long as you take extra safety precautions to protect your baby.
Benefits of breastfeeding during a pandemic
- Breastfeeding is good for babies. It protects them from many infections. It is not proven that breastmilk protects babies from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. However, several studies have found antibodies that target the virus in human milk. In addition, breastfed infants are generally less likely to have severe respiratory symptoms when they get sick.
- Breastfeeding is good for moms. Hormones released in the mother's body during breastfeeding promote wellness and can relieve stress and anxiety.
- Breast milk is readily available. No purchase necessary! This can be important during public health emergencies, when it can be more challenging to buy formula and other feeding supplies.
Do I need to take extra precautions while breastfeeding if I'm vaccinated against COVID?
If you’re fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you do not need to take any special precautions when feeding your baby at the breast or expressing milk. However, if you have symptoms of COVID or have had close contact with someone who has the illness, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing a mask.