Breastfeeding and Coronavirus (COVID 19)
Will I be able to stay with my baby and have skin to skin if I have suspected or confirmed coronavirus?
Yes, provided your baby is well and doesn’t require care in the neonatal unit, you will be kept together and supported in skin to skin contact after you have given birth.
Can I breastfeed if I have covid-19?
At the moment there is no evidence that the virus can be carried in breastmilk, so it is felt that the well-recognised benefits of breastfeeding outweigh any potential risks of transmission of coronavirus through breastmilk. In fact breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for infants and provides protection against many illnesses. Breastfeeding is particularly effective against infectious diseases because it transfers antibodies and other important immune factors to the baby. If you were thinking of giving up breastfeeding, perhaps continue until this pandemic ends.
The main risk of breastfeeding is close contact between you and your baby, as you may share infective airborne droplets, leading to the infection of the baby after birth. If you have confirmed COVID-19 or have symptoms you should take all possible precautions to avoid spreading the virus to your baby. Try to avoid coughing or sneezing on your baby while feeding at the breast. Consider wearing a face mask, if available, while feeding your baby at the breast. Wash hands regularly and always before touching your baby and wash your hands after changing their nappy.
What if I am too unwell to breastfeed?
If you are too unwell to breastfeed you may still be able to express breastmilk for your baby. Someone else who is well could give this expressed milk to your baby in a bottle.
If you choose to feed your baby with formula or expressed milk it is recommended that you follow strict adherence with sterilisation guidelines. If you are expressing breastmilk in hospital, a dedicated breast pump should be used. We will continue to review the evidence as it emerges.
Updated guidance from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists https://www.rcog.org.uk/coronavirus-pregnancy
Breastfeeding support in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic
BSUH maternity services continue to visit women/people in their homes where support is urgent. All breastfeeding drop-ins are temporarily cancelled. Tongue-tie clinics are also cancelled. Maternity, all agencies and partners are currently reviewing how we deliver breastfeeding support in the community.
We will keep you updated as things change. Breastfeeding supporters in the UK, both voluntary and paid are skilled and experienced in offering breastfeeding support over the phone and online.