March 20, 2020
To date, the coronavirus has not been detected in breast milk. However, we do not know whether mothers with COVID-19 can transmit the virus via breast milk.
BREASTFEEDING WITH NO KNOWN EXPOSURE TO CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
- Continue breastfeeding as usual
BREASTFEEDING WITH KNOWN EXPOSURE TO CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
- Breastfeed as usual and contact your physician
- If expressing breast milk with a manual or electric breast pump, wash hands before touching any pump or bottle parts; and sanitize breast pump equipment after each use
BREASTFEEDING IF YOU’RE SICK AND CONCERNED ABOUT CORONAVIRUS
- Continue breastfeeding as usual and contact your physician
BREASTFEEDING WITH A CONFIRMED CASE OF CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
- Contact your physician to make an informed decision to continue or discontinue breastfeeding
PREGNANCY IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
- Protect yourself and avoid being around people who are sick
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Wash for at least 20 seconds before you eat, after you sneeze and after using the bathroom
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers in addition to hand-washing
UNKNOWN INFORMATION ABOUT CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
Whether Covid-19 can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus is currently unknown. Additionally, it is unknown whether Covid-19 can cause problems while pregnant. It is also unclear if complications can arise if a pregnant woman tests positive for Covid-19.
*Information on Covid-19 is rapidly evolving. This information was compiled by Black Mothers’ Breastfeeding Association on March 20, 2020 based on interim guidance published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This information is not meant to replace that of medical professionals. For more information about the impact of Covid-19 pregnancy and breastfeeding, please click here.