Safely Providing Breastmilk for Your Baby
After Being Diagnosed with or Exposed to COVID-19
The health and safety of all of our patients are important to us. This handout will tell you more about breastmilk safety for patients who have or may have the coronavirus infection.
COVID-19 and Mother’s Milk
It is recommended that mothers continue to breastfeed or provide their milk even if they have or have been exposed to COVID-19. Studies have not yet found COVID-19 in mother’s milk.
Breastfeeding Your Baby
To safely breastfeed your baby, you will need to wash your hands and put on a mask first. You will need to wear the mask the entire time your baby is close to you.
Pumping Breastmilk for Your Baby
If you are separated from your baby, you can remove your milk with clean hands or a breast pump, and have a healthy caregiver give the milk to the baby. It is very important to follow the instructions on the next page to remove your milk safely. The nurse can teach you how to hand express your milk or use a breast pump. The hospital can provide you a pump to use while you are here.
Benefits of Breastmilk
Human milk produces special antibodies to help fight viruses. These antibodies are not found in formula. These antibodies are especially important to help your baby's developing immune system.
How to Keep Your Milk Safe before and after Pumping
Before Pumping |
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After Pumping |
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Avoid sneezing or coughing on your breast pump, your pump kit, or your milk collection containers.
Author: The Office of Patient and Family Education and Health Literacy Medical Review: Johnson Center |
Quick Links
- New Parent With COVID-19: Care Instructions
- Labor and Delivery FAQs for Expectant Mothers
- Pregnant Mothers with Possible or Known COVID-19 Infection
- Providing Breastmilk Safely for Your Baby
- Caring for Your Baby at Home
- Safety Guidelines for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
- Caregiver Restrictions in the Newborn Nursery