COVID19 and Breastfeeding

19 Jan

Covid and Breastfeeding

I’ve spent some time trawling through articles, government websites and research papers for the latest on Covid19 and Breastfeeding advice as at 19th January 2022.

The good news is there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be passed on to your baby in breast milk, and the benefits of breastfeeding and the protection it offers outweigh any possible risks. There are no reports showing the COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2) is present in breastmilk.

There have also been recent studies into antibodies in breastmilk and their protection factors for newborns. Breastfeeding women who have been infected with Covid-19 continue to secrete virus-neutralising antibodies into their milk for up to 10 months.

The antibodies in breast milk are somewhat different to the Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies that predominate in blood and are triggered by vaccination – although some of these are also secreted into breast milk. The main antibody is Secretory Immunoglobulin A (IgA), which sticks to the lining of babies’ respiratory and intestinal tracts, helping to block viruses and bacteria from entering their bodies.

Although researchers had previously detected antibodies against Sars-CoV-2 in breast milk, it was unclear whether they could neutralise the virus, or how long women continue to produce them after encountering coronavirus.

To investigate, Powell and colleagues took breast milk samples from 75 women who had recovered from Covid-19, and found that 88% contained IgA antibodies. In most cases these were capable of neutralising Sars-CoV-2, meaning they could block infection.

Further measurements revealed that women continued to secrete these antibodies for up to 10 months. “It means that if you continue breastfeeding, you’re still giving those antibodies in your milk,” said Powell.

Breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact continue to be encouraged for all women and babies, regardless of how they are feeding or COVID diagnosis.

Additional sensible prevention control measures that can be taken include:

Handwashing prior to touching the baby, breast pump or bottles
Wearing a mask whilst feeding and holding the baby
Following guidelines for cleaning/sterilisation of bottles and breast pump if you are using.
If you are too unwell to breastfeed, another option is to express regularly so that your baby keeps receiving your breastmilk.

Other lactation points to remember are to keep well hydrated, remember that breastfeeding works on supply and demand so either feeding or expressing on your babies schedule are important to maintaining supply. If you require medication, check with your doctor for the specific details of that medication and breastfeeding. If taking Panadol, remember to feed the baby before taking any medication.

Pfizer and Moderna are the preferred vaccines for all people under 60 years of age, which includes those who are breastfeeding. You do not need to stop breastfeeding before or after vaccination. Several small studies have shown that the antibodies induced by COVID-19 vaccines pass into breastmilk.

Please remember to seek advice from your GP for any medical or vaccine information specific to your personal situation.