Breastfeeding through viral respiratory infections

There’s a lot of discussion and understandable concern about Coronavirus right now and it’s natural to wonder how best to care for a little one at a time like this. Breastfeeding and providing breastmilk to your baby is still one of the best things you can do for your baby’s health and development. We know your highest priority as a parent is keeping your loved ones safe and as healthy as possible. It’s important for you to stay healthy, too. In the UK many of these viruses are seasonal in their activity and tend to circulate at higher levels during the winter months. At this time, however, the newer threat of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is spreading around the world. The same precautions we take with trying to avoid other viral illnesses should be used now for everyone:

Wash your hands. Wash them frequently, with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. If it is not possible to wash your hands with soap and water, use a hand sanitising solution with at least 60% alcohol.
During flu “seasons” and other high-risk times, minimise visitors to your home and avoid outings that involve large crowds, especially indoor events. It is possible for an infected person to transmit the virus even if they aren’t showing symptoms such as a fever.
Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects frequently touched in the home and car.
Cough or sneeze into a tissue, throw the tissue away in the bin, and make sure to wash your hands after this is done.

Your breastmilk helps to form your baby’s immune system and provide protection from illness. This is due to components like immunoglobulins and antibodies – they are anti-infective properties found in breastmilk. Research on viral illnesses like COVID-19 is limited, so guidance is based on previous experience with viral respiratory illnesses like influenza. The Royal College of Midwives and Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states; “At the moment there is no evidence that the virus can be carried in breastmilk, so it is felt the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh any potential risks of transmission of coronavirus through breastmilk.” The more common and likely form of transmission is person to person. The virus is transmitted in respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes – this is the same way the flu is passed from person to person.

What does this mean for breastfeeding mums?

Keep directly breastfeeding, as much as you are able. If you do become infected, or suspect/know you may have been exposed to someone who is infected:

Wear a mask when holding your baby and while feeding them.
Wash your hands before the feeding starts, and again directly after.
Wash your hands before and after you touch your baby at other times, such as before and after diaper changes.
Let others help you, especially if they are well or healthier. It’s really hard to get rest as a new mum, but rest is critical to overcoming an infection.
Stay hydrated. This is important for breastfeeding mums at all times and becomes even more important when you’re fighting an infection or fever. The fever will dehydrate you so it is important to replace those fluids.

If, or when, you are pumping:

Wash your hands before assembling your pump parts, and wash them again immediately after you’ve finished your pumping session.
After pumping, wash the parts with warm, soapy water, rinse, and air dry
Follow the NHS recommendations to properly clean and sanitise all pump parts and bottles: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/sterilising-bottles/ or https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/expressing-storing-breast-milk/
Wipe down the pump itself with an all-purpose cleaner or wipe, without getting the pump too wet. Allow to air dry.
If possible, let someone healthy (or at least, healthier) feed the baby with a bottle
Stay hydrated.

What about medications that might be used to treat COVID-19, or even Influenza-A?

As of the writing of this article, there is no exact known medication or vaccine to treat COVID-19. There are various medications used for other viral respiratory infections that are being tried and considered. Discuss the fact that you’re breastfeeding with your healthcare provider and express your desire to continue breastfeeding. If your doctor recommends taking antiviral medication, please ensure they are aware of your breastfeeding and pumping routine. Ask them whether there are risks to your baby. This will allow you to make the best decision possible while trying to minimise risk of transmission to your baby and trying to maintain your milk supply. (Reference: Philip O. Anderson. Breastfeeding and Respiratory Antivirals: Coronavirus and Influenza. Breastfeeding Medicine.http://doi.org/10.1089/bfm.2020.29149.poa; published online February 27, 2020) (Reference: Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist. Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection in Pregnancy. Information for Healthcare Professionals; Version 4 published online 21^st March 2020).

For up to date facts and guidance, please frequently check the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Website

https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/covid-19-virus-infection-and-pregnancy/
Stay at home: guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection

All content found on the Lansinoh.co.uk website, including: text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Author: Olivia Mayer RD, CSP, IBCLC is a clinical dietitian at a children’s hospital in Northern California where she has worked in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit since 2006. Olivia is a clinical advisory board member at Lansinoh Laboratories and advocates for optimising mum’s own milk and breastfeeding for all babies when they are able and when it is safe.

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