Breastfeeding and COVID-19
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Breastfeeding and COVID-19

Current evidence suggests that breast milk is not likely to spread the virus to babies.

Post by on Saturday, June 5, 2021

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Current evidence suggests that breast milk is not likely to spread the virus to babies.

Lactating mother along with her healthcare providers should decide whether, when and how to start breast feeding. 

Breast milk contains immunoglobulins and provides protection against many illnesses and is the best source of nutrition for most babies. Covid positive mothers can directly breast fed their babies while taking all prescribed precautions. 

They are advised to always wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds and wear mask before breastfeeding or expressing breast milk for their babies. 

If you have COVID-19 and choose to breastfeed:

1.Wash your hands before breastfeeding

2.Wear a mask while breastfeeding and whenever you are within 6 feet of your baby.

If you have COVID-19 and choose to express breast milk:

Use your own breast pump (one not shared with anyone else). 

Wear a mask during expression.

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before touching any pump or bottle parts, and before expressing breast milk.

In the process of breast feeding consider having a healthy caretaker who does not have COVID-19, and does not have comorbidities for COVID-19, and is living in the same home. 

 Any caregiver feeding the baby should wear a mask when caring for the baby for the entire time you are in isolation.

Dr Suhail Naik 
Consultant paediatrician GMC Srinagar



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