Mar 04 , 2021

With the Coronavirus pandemic, can I breastfeed my baby?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most babies. However, not much is known about the new coronavirus. The initiation or maintenance of breastfeeding must be determined by the mother in conjunction with her family and health professionals.

We carry out a survey of recommendations for breastfeeding safely:

The recommended care for nursing mothers are:

• Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before touching the baby or before expressing breast milk (by hand or by the pump);
• Clean the breast pumps after each use;
• Wear a face mask for women suspected or diagnosed with COVID-19 during breastfeeding;
• Change the mask immediately in case of coughing, sneezing or with each new feeding;
• Consider asking someone who is healthy to offer breast milk in a cup, cup or spoon to your baby.

In the case of babies who, in addition to breast milk, also use infant formula or who weaned and only use the formula as directed by the pediatrician, care must be extended when handling utensils, as it has been stated that the virus can survive for hours or even days on plastic materials like teats, bottles and metals.
These are recommendations based on the evidence available to date, and can be revised according to new publications and scientific studies.

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