There are not many reasons why a mother can’t breastfeed; however, one reason is infection with one of several viral infections that can be transmitted to a baby through breast milk. It is still unknown whether SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes Covid-19, can infect a baby through breast milk.

Current data suggests that it is safe for women with Covid-19 to breastfeed. Recent studies (September 2020) have shown that parts of the virus particle can be detected in breast milk; however, infectious virus has never been found in these or any other studies.

It is likely a greater risk for the mother to transmit the virus to the baby through droplets. Mothers who are nursing should:

  1. wash their hands before feeding, pumping, or handling the pump or bottle parts. Follow the guidelines by washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds covering all surfaces. Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol may be used when washing is not possible.
  2. Wear a cloth face covering/mask while nursing or pumping.

Mothers who are concerned may choose to pump and have a healthy caregiver feed the baby. Mothers who are very concerned or anxious and choose to feed the baby formula until no longer contagious then breastfeed should follow the guidelines for maintaining milk supply (pump 8 times a day including at least once overnight).

Breastfeeding has tremendous health benefits for both mother and baby. At this time, there does not appear to be a risk of transmission through the breast milk itself.

Resources

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and Breastfeeding (CDC)

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Caring for Newborns (CDC)

Breastfeeding During the COVID-19 Pandemic (HealthyChildren.org)

Breastfeeding and COVID-19 (WHO Scientific Brief)

References

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Breastfeeding Guidance Post Hospital Discharge for Mothers or Infants with Suspected or Confirmed SARS-Co V-2 Infection (AAP)

Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) Statement on Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)

Centeno-Tablante E, Medina-Rivera M, Finkelstein JL, et al. Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through breast milk and breastfeeding: a living systematic review. Ann N Y Acad Sci. Published online August 28, 2020. doi:10.1111/nyas.14477

Yang N, Che S, Zhang J, et al. Breastfeeding of infants born to mothers with COVID-19: a rapid review. Ann Transl Med. 2020;8(10). doi:10.21037/atm-20-3299

Groß R, Conzelmann C, Müller JA, et al. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in human breastmilk. Lancet. 2020;395(10239):1757-1758. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(20)31181-8

Chambers C, Krogstad P, Bertrand K, et al. Evaluation for SARS-CoV-2 in Breast Milk From 18 Infected Women. JAMA. Published online August 19, 2020. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.15580

Lackey KA, Pace RM, Williams JE, et al. SARS‐CoV‐2 and human milk: What is the evidence? Matern Child Nutr. Published online May 30, 2020. doi:10.1111/mcn.13032