Ask the Expert: Is It Safe To Breastfeed My Baby During The Pandemic?

1. I'm breastfeeding my 2-month-old newborn. If I test positive for COVID-19, what precautions should I take while breastfeeding?

Mothers with confirmed COVID-19 can continue to nurse their newborn after taking due precautions, such as sanitizing their hands properly before holding the baby, or washing their hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. Wearing a mask is equally important to prevent the infection from spreading to your baby and other helpers. After feeding, you should hand over your baby to whoever is helping you care for the baby—your spouse, a relative, or a nanny. It's best if your baby stays in a different room. If that is not possible, then you should maintain a distance of at least six feet from the baby. After your isolation period ends, you can stop wearing the mask while continuing to maintain hand hygiene. If 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared and you don't have any fever for at least 24 hours (without taking any medicines to reduce fever), you are free to reunite with your newborn without barriers.

2. I have a 3-month-old baby girl. As the government has said, lactating mothers can get vaccinated, so I'm planning to take the vaccine. But I've seen severe COVID-19-like symptoms in people who have been vaccinated. I have also heard that they can last up to seven days. Can I continue to breastfeed my baby during those days? Will my daughter get infected because of the vaccine's side effects?

It is recommended that lactating women get the COVID-19 vaccination. The side effects of the vaccine need not be severe. In most cases, there are no side effects. The most common side effect is pain at the injection site. You cannot pass on any side effects to your baby. So, you must continue to breastfeed your baby. Maintain basic hygiene while handling your baby. And remember, while breastfeeding, you are passing passive immunity to your baby (you pass antibodies to your baby through breast milk). So, please carry on with the breastfeeding without any fear.

3. I'm 7 months pregnant, and I tested positive for COVID-19 recently. I have fully recovered now. But I'm worried that I might still pass on the infection to my baby after giving birth. So, after birth, can I breastfeed my baby, or should I refrain from doing so?

You cannot pass on the infection after 11 days of having contracted the disease. You have at least 10 weeks to go before delivery. So, don't worry. There's no evidence to suggest you can pass on the infection when the baby is in your uterus. You must start breastfeeding as soon as possible.

4. If my newborn tests positive for COVID-19, will breastfeeding him infect me as well? I have another child (a toddler), so I cannot afford to fall ill.

If your newborn tests positive for COVID-19, there's a chance you might get infected. But I suggest that you continue with breastfeeding. As your baby cannot take any safety measures, you should be the one wearing a mask. You must sanitize your hands before holding your baby and after breastfeeding. If you can, after breastfeeding, hand over your baby to an attendant. If you don't take precautions, you may get infected, and you could pass it on to your toddler. Although you have to be careful, there's no reason not to breastfeed your child. If you are too concerned, you can express breast milk and bottle-feed it to your child. Remember to mask up and to sanitize your hands before and after handling the baby. Discuss your concerns with your doctor, who may be able to give you more advice based on your situation.