TYH: Is it safe to breastfeed amidst the COVID-19 pandemic?

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“Yes it is safe. It is safe for all mother’s who are breastfeeding to continue breastfeeding…for a general breastfeeding family, it is encouraged to continue breastfeeding, and to increase the amount of breastfeeding if possible.”–Randi Parsons, Regional Nursing Lead for Maternal, Infant and Child, Northern Health

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An increase in breastfeeding can help protect your baby from getting sick, “there’s been some amazing discoveries–health experts have learned that when a baby is directly breastfeeding at the breast…when they’ve been in contact with different germs, those germs are passed from the babies saliva, through the nipple and the mother’s body actually starts to analyze those germs and responds by building anti-bodies, for herself and for the baby,” said Parsons.

She also told us that if a mom is diagnosed with COVID-19, they are still able to breastfeed–with precautions–as experts have not found traces of COVID-19 in human milk.

“If she (mom) is symptomatic, if she has a cough, sneezing, if she has a sore throat it is encouraged that she wears a mask when in close connection with the baby.”–Randi Parsons, Regional Nursing Lead for Maternal, Infant and Child, Northern Health

High touch surfaces should be kept clean, and moms should wash their hands before and after they feed their babies.

Northern Health says that they support families in making informed decisions when it comes to how they choose to feed their baby, and that if parents are using formula there are a few extra precautionary steps to ensure babies are kept safe and healthy.

“Any feeding equipment should be disinfected and as well as the water source.”–Randi Parsons, Regional Nursing Lead for Maternal, Infant and Child, Northern Health

Infant formula should be used immediatly after it has been prepared, and any formula that has been left in a bottle or a cup for more than two hours should be thrown away.

Parsons mentioned that there currently are no shortages of infant formula in B.C.

Families in need of additional support are encouraged to phone their local health care providers, or phone 8-1-1 to speak with a nurse or other health professional at HealthLink B.C.