If you’re breastfeeding at the moment, or thinking about breastfeeding, you might feel worried about how the coronavirus could affect your baby. There is currently no evidence to suggest that the virus can be transmitted through breast milk. But the infection can be spread to the baby in the same way as anyone in close contact to you. The benefits of breastfeeding outweigh any potential risks of transmission of the virus by your baby being in close contact with you. The strong advice is for all mothers who wish to breastfeed to continue to do so to protect their babies, including those infected with COVID-19. If you have any concerns please speak to your midwife, health visitor or GP by telephone.
If you are pregnant at the moment, you’re probably thinking about your feeding options. The recommended health advice is to breastfeed your baby where possible.
If you or a family member are feeding with expressed milk, you should ensure that you wash your hands before touching your breast pump or feeding your baby and ensure that all equipment and bottles are carefully washed and sterilised fully before each use and cleaned afterwards. And you should not share bottles or a breast pump with anyone else.
You can find more breastfeeding information and tips here.
You can also contact the National Breastfeeding Helpline which is open as usual on 0300 100 0212 from 9.30am-9.30pm every day of the year.
