breastfeeding

CDC Releases Guidance for Breastfeeding During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have release interim guidance on breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These considerations are based upon the limited evidence available to date about transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes COVID-19, and knowledge of other viruses that cause severe respiratory illness including influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV),” the authors wrote.

Among their recommendations:

  • Whether to breastfeed and how to start should be determined by the mother in coordination with health care providers.
  • Mothers with suspected, probably, or confirmed COVID-19 should be counseled in the precautions necessary to avoid spreading the virus, especially washing their hands before touching the infant. Cloth face coverings should be worn by the mother while feeding.
  • If a pump is used, the mother’s hands should be washed before touching the pump.
  • When possible, expressed breast milk should be fed to the infant by a healthy caregiver.
  • Breastfeeding mothers at high-risk for exposure to SARS-CoV-2 due to occupation should follow the same precautions, ideally in a private, non-bathroom space when working.
  • Infants breastfed by mothers with confirmed COVID-19 should be considered as having suspected COVID-19 for the purposes of infection control and prevention.
  • Health care providers should prioritize newborn care and vaccination when possible.
  • Newborn follow-up visits should be conducted in person when possible.
  • Telemedicine may be considered for lactation support.

 

“Currently, there is a lack of evidence to support precautions such as cleansing the breast prior to breastfeeding or milk expression or disinfecting external surfaces of milk collection devices (e.g., bottles, milk bags), as steps to reduce potential transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Mothers may consider additional steps such as these to minimize theoretic potential routes of exposure,” they also wrote.

“This interim guidance is based on what is currently known about SARS-CoV-2…and the transmission of other viral respiratory pathogens. CDC will update this interim guidance as additional information becomes available.”

—Michael Potts

Reference:
Interim guidance on breastfeeding and breast milk feeds in the context of COVID-19. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/care-for-breastfeeding-women.html. Updated April 28, 2020. Accessed April 30, 2020.