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Breastfeeding during COVID-19

There is currently no evidence that COVID-19 is transmitted through breastmilk. Here are some tips to help keep parents and infants safe while breastfeeding during the time of coronavirus.

I am a lactating mother with a suspected, probable, or confirmed case of COVID-19

  • Continue exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months.

  • At 6 months, introduce other foods and continue to breastfeed up to 24 months.

  • Maintain physical distance (at least 1 metre) while breastfeeding and avoid your touching eyes, nose and mouth.

I am a lactating mother who is ill and unable to breastfeed or express breastmilk.

  • Give your infant Ready-to-Use Infant Formula if he or she is under 6 months.

  • Give your child ultra-heat-treated milk and complementary food if he or she is 6-23 months.

  • You should give your child milk using a cup with a wide mouth or with a cup and spoon.

I have a confirmed case of COVID-19 and have therefore been separated from my child while I recover.

If you are a mother and are COVID-19 positive, you should continue breastfeeding and should not be separated from your infant unless you are too ill or too weak to breastfeed or express milk.

  • If your infant is 0-6 months old, they should be fed with Ready-to-Use Infant Formula.

  • If your child is 6-24 months old, they should be fed with ultra-heat-treated milk and complementary food.

  • Milk should be given to your child using a cup with a wide mouth or with a cup and spoon.

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Remember to maintain respiratory hygiene while feeding your child.

  • Always wash your hands with soap and water before and after touching your infant.

  • Routinely clean surfaces with soap and water which you have recently touched.

  • If you have respiratory symptoms, it is recommended to use a face mask when caring for your infant.

  • Maintain physical distancing from other people and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

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