Can you pass COVID through breast milk?

Can COVID-19 Be Transmitted Through Breast Milk?
The question of whether COVID-19 can be transmitted through breast milk has been a significant concern for new mothers during the pandemic. However, recent studies and health guidelines provide reassuring insights.
Current Research Findings
To date, extensive research has shown that SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, has not been detected in breast milk. A notable study conducted by Chambers et al. involved analyzing 64 milk samples from 18 mothers who were infected with COVID-19. The results indicated that human milk is unlikely to transmit the virus from infected mothers to their infants. This finding aligns with other studies that have similarly failed to detect the virus in breast milk, reinforcing the notion that breastfeeding does not pose a risk of transmitting COVID-19.
Moreover, a peer-reviewed study published in *Pediatric Research* confirmed that breastfeeding women infected with COVID-19 cannot transmit the virus through their milk. This study validated earlier findings and supported recommendations from health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which advocate for continued breastfeeding during the pandemic.
Health Organization Recommendations
Both the WHO and CDC have emphasized that breastfeeding is safe and that mothers should continue to nourish their infants with breast milk, even if they are infected with COVID-19. The guidance is based on the understanding that while the virus may be present in other bodily fluids, it does not appear to be present in breast milk.
Antibodies in Breast Milk
Interestingly, research has also shown that mothers who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 can pass antibodies to their infants through breast milk. This transfer of antibodies may provide some level of protection to the baby against the virus. This aspect highlights the dual benefits of breastfeeding during the pandemic—not only does it provide essential nutrition, but it may also confer some immunity to the infant.
Conclusion
In summary, the consensus among health experts and recent studies is clear: COVID-19 cannot be transmitted through breast milk. Mothers are encouraged to continue breastfeeding, as it remains a vital source of nutrition and may even offer protective antibodies to their infants. As the situation evolves, ongoing research will continue to monitor and provide insights into the implications of COVID-19 for breastfeeding mothers and their children.

Is it safe to breastfeed with COVID?

Current evidence suggests that breast milk is not a source of transmission of SARS-CoV-2. When possible, breastfeeding mothers with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should continue to breastfeed while taking hygiene precautions. This advice is regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.

Can my baby get sick if I have Covid?

In general, the virus that causes COVID-19 doesn’t spread from the pregnant person to the unborn baby. Infants typically get COVID-19 from a sick caregiver after delivery. Pregnant people can help lower an infant’s risk by getting the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy.

Will my breastfed baby get sick if I am sick?

In fact, your body will actually start producing antibodies for those illnesses and pass those antibodies through your milk to your baby, effectively reducing the risk and severity of those illnesses to your infant and/or toddler.

Is breastfeeding OK with Covid?

Current evidence suggests that breast milk is not a source of transmission of SARS-CoV-2. When possible, breastfeeding mothers with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should continue to breastfeed while taking hygiene precautions.

What illnesses should you not breastfeed?

When Should I Not Breastfeed My Baby?

• If the mother has been infected with HIV or has AIDS.
• Many medications taken by the mother may pass onto the baby via breast milk.
• Mothers with cancer who are taking cancer chemotherapy medications also cannot breastfeed their babies.

Will my baby get sick if I’m sick?

While you’re sick, though, protect your baby from as many germs as possible. Babies have a higher risk of catching the flu and having health problems from it. So: Wash your hands well and often.

Can COVID be passed through breast milk?

Current evidence suggests that breast milk is not a source of transmission of SARS-CoV-2. When possible, breastfeeding mothers with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should continue to breastfeed while taking hygiene precautions. This advice is regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.

Can I sleep with my baby if I have COVID?

If you show symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) try not to cough or sneeze on your baby. Make sure they are in their own separate sleep space such as a cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for all day and night sleeps.

Can a COVID positive mother take care of her baby?

If you are too ill to care for your baby, your healthcare professional may suggest the baby stay in another hospital area. To limit your baby’s exposure to the virus, wear a well-fitting face mask and have clean hands when caring for your newborn. Stay a reasonable distance from your baby when not feeding, if possible.

Can viruses be passed through breast milk?

Infectious organisms can reach the breast milk either by secretion in the fluid or cellular components of breast milk or by contamination of the milk at the time of or after expression. A reasonable mechanism of infection via breast milk should be evident and proved through either animal or human studies.