Pregnant women do not carry a higher chance of being infected by COVID-19 and should follow the same guidelines as the general population. However, it is currently unclear if the virus can cross through the transplacental route to the fetus.
For breastfeeding mothers, the primary concern is not whether the virus can be transmitted through breastmilk, but rather whether it can be passed through respiratory droplets during breastfeeding. However, breastfeeding is still encouraged, as the benefits are very high and can protect babies against infection. If you’re confirmed with COVID-19 (or showing potential symptoms), you should take all possible precautions, including:
- Washing your hands before touching your child and wearing a mask while breastfeeding.
- If using a manual or electric pump, wash your hands before touching any pump or bottle parts and follow recommendations for proper cleaning after each use.
- Having someone who is well feed the expressed breast milk to the infant, if possible.
Learn more about pregnancy and COVID-19 from Chair of Women’s Health, Dr. Bruno Casanova’s interview with News12:
