Expressed milk
During the first weeks of breastfeeding it's important to have lots of skin to skin contact and feed your baby when they are showing feeding cues, if they are unsettled, you want to have a cuddle or your breasts feel full. Breastfeeding your baby is easier than expressing your breastmilk but there may be times when you do want to express your breastmilk. If you or a family member are feeding with expressed milk, it is particularly important at the moment to be hygienic.
Make sure you wash your hands before touching your breast pump or feeding your baby. Also sterilise any bottles or equipment before you use them and wash them carefully afterwards. Don't share bottles or breast pumps with anyone else.
Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I’m breastfeeding?
If you're breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed you can get the COVID-19 vaccine. You should not stop breastfeeding to be vaccinated against COVID-19. You can continue breastfeeding after vaccination.
The COVID-19 vaccine - Pregnancy leaflet has more information about the COVID-19 vaccination programme if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Reasons to breastfeed
