The Reality of Breastfeeding with COVID-19

Breastmilk contains antibodies that boost immunity, and help promote optimal development and growth, a natural source of nutrition and protection available for children in most emergencies as in the current pandemic brought about by COVID-19.

The most common question of a breastfeeding mother during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic is, “Is it safe to breastfeed my baby even if I have COVID-19?”

Coronavirus disease or COVID doesn’t spread to infants through breast milk. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is safe to breastfeed an infant even if the mother has COVID-19. But a lactating mother can still spread the virus to their infants through tiny droplets that spread when they talk, cough, or sneeze. Lactating women are encouraged to talk to the doctor to help them decide whether to stop or continue breastfeeding and how to do it properly and safely.

Breastmilk is the best nutrition for infants and can protect them against diseases and infections. While the mother is sick, she or with the assistance of other people can still provide the infant with expressed breastmilk.

Here are some tips to protect your infants from COVID-19 while breastfeeding or feeding your infant with expressed breastmilk in a cup:

• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after touching your baby
• Wear a mask, especially while nursing your baby
• Wash your hands before touching your breast, breast pump, or bottle parts. Clean all parts after each use
• Let someone else in your household or other caregivers who are not sick give your infant your expressed breastmilk

Limit close face-to-face contact with your baby and cough or sneeze into a tissue and immediately throw it away and sanitize your hands after. When you are not feeding your baby, try to stay a distance from your baby as much as possible and clean and disinfect surfaces regularly.

Breast milk contains a lot of antibodies that could fight against infections and diseases. Mothers should breastfeed their infants, especially during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic as long as they follow proper health protocols to protect their selves and their babies as well. (ND II Chutsvieka May Pacatang, RND)