Should I breastfeed if I have COVID-19?

Recent research suggests that breast milk isn’t likely to spread the virus to babies. However, it’s best to contact your healthcare provider in order to determine if you should continue breastfeeding. You should also take the following precautions during your period of home isolation:

• Wash your hands using soap and water before touching your child. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Wear a mask when you are less than six feet from your child (including when feeding them)
• Clean and sanitize breast pumps

Your child is considered a close contact and should quarantine for the duration of your home isolation and during their own quarantine thereafter, as recommended by the CDC, unless otherwise specified. For more information, see theCDC website.