Covid-19 and Breastfeeding

Is my baby at risk for COVID-19?

Per the CDC guidelines, infants infection with COVID-19 is rare. If any infant is infected with COVID-19, research has shown that symptoms are either mild or infants are asymptomatic.

Can I give my baby COVID-19 in-utero if I am exposed?

Research has shown that “…Limited reports in the literature have raised concern of possible intrauterine, intrapartum, or peripartum transmission, but the extent and clinical significance of vertical transmission, which appears to be rare, is unclear.”* There is insufficient data at this time for any intervention or treatment for a neonate born to a mother tested positive for COVID-19.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19 in a newborn?

Symptoms include “…fever, lethargy, rhinorrhea, cough, tachypnea, increased work of breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, and poor feeding".”* Contact your pediatrician immediately if you suspect that your infant has these symptoms and/or has had confirmed exposure to the virus.

What precautions should I take to prevent transmission of COVID-19 to my baby?

While in the hospital, standard precautions should be taken to prevent viral transmission (hand hygiene before handling, mask wearing). Early and often contact between parent and child has proven health benefits.

Can I pass my infant COVID-19 through breast milk?

There is no definitive proof that this is impossible, but early research suggests it is not likely**. Breast milk has proven immune benefits for your infant, so continue to breast feed your baby using the precautions listed above.

Can I pass immunity to my infant through my breast milk?

Preliminary studies have shown that COVID-19 antibodies pass through breast milk to the infant following active infection in the lactation parent and vaccine administration in the lactating parent.

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References:

Dong, Y., Chi, X., Hai, H., Sun, L., Zhang, M., Xie, W. F., & Chen, W. (2020). Antibodies in the breast milk of a maternal woman with COVID-19. Emerging microbes & infections, 9(1), 1467-1469.

CDC.gov, Evaluation and Management Considerations for Neonates at Risk for COVID-19, Oct 23 2020

CDC.gov, Care for Breastfeeding Women, June 05 2020.