Information for pregnant women, or those who have recently given birth, about COVID-19 and breastfeeding
Breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic – community setting
This interim guidance is based on what is currently known about COVID-19 and the transmission of other viral respiratory infections. The Ministry of Health will update this interim guidance as needed, as additional information becomes available.
Breastfeeding is important to human health at all times, but especially in times of emergency. Breastfeeding provides immunological protections to the breastfed child. Most often babies who are breastfed remain healthy even when their parents or other family members are unwell with an infectious illness.
Those women who become infected with COVID-19 shortly before giving birth and then begin breastfeeding, and those who become infected when already breastfeeding, will produce specific antibodies and other critical immune factors in their milk to protect their breastfeeding infant and enhance their infant’s immune responses. If you become unwell and you are breastfeeding your baby, it is important not to interrupt direct breastfeeding. Your baby will already have been exposed to the virus and will most benefit from continued direct breastfeeding at the breast.
This advice is for women and babies who are not admitted to hospital.
Confirmed or probable COVID-19
There is no evidence of transmission of the virus in breastmilk. It is ok for you to breastfeed if you have confirmed or probable COVID-19, while using the precautions outlined below as it is beneficial to your baby for you to continue breastfeeding.
If you are well enough, you should continue to breastfeed directly, while using the necessary precautions. This includes washing hands before and after contact with your baby (including feeding), avoiding coughing or sneezing on them, and cleaning/disinfecting contaminated surfaces – as should be done in all cases where anyone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 interacts with others, including children.
If you are too unwell to breastfeed, you should express your milk and give it to your baby via a clean spoon, cup or bottle – all while following the same infection prevention methods.
Your baby will also be considered a “close contact” of a confirmed case and you will be provided advice about this from your Public Health Unit.
In self-isolation after potential exposure to COVID-19
If you are in self-isolation after potential exposure to COVID-19, your breastfed baby should remain with you so that you are able to continue breastfeeding. Wash your hands before touching the baby and avoid coughing or sneezing on them. Exclusive breastfeeding offers the best protection for babies, so if your baby is less than 6 months old, aim for exclusive breastfeeding. Even if your baby is older than 6 months, remaining with you and continuing your breastfeeding relationship is beneficial for you both.
Re-lactation
If you have recently stopped breastfeeding, it is possible to re-lactate or re-establish the production of breastmilk. Many women who re-lactate can produce enough milk to breastfeed an infant exclusively. The easiest way to bring back a milk supply is through a baby suckling at the breast. The more often a baby suckles at your breast, the more likely your breasts will make milk. Talk to your midwife or Well Child nurse for more information on re-establishing your breastmilk supply if this is something you would like to do.