With the never-ending chaos of the Covid-19 pandemic, many mothers have found themselves in a
dilemma about breastfeeding their babies. Today, we are faced with many unanswered questions,
whose answers are still dependent on larger scientific studies.
It is a well-known established fact that breastfeeding has numerous advantages for every newborn. It
provides abundant nutritional factors and protective antibodies from the mother. The major antibody
found in the breast milk is called immunoglobulin A or IgA. IgA is known to form a protective layer of
covering on the baby’s gut, thus protecting it from any infection. Thus, breastfed infants have stronger
immune systems and fewer infection rates. The risk of moratlity is almost 14 times higher in babies who
are not breastfed. All medical experts recommend a minimum of 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding,
followed by its continuation through the baby’s first year of life along with weaning foods.
Should I breastfeed my child if I have taken the Covid-19 vaccine?
At present, we have limited and sparse data to confirm the vertical transmission of Covid-19 virus
through breastfeeding. Initially, it was still unclear if the transmission occurs via breast milk or via
droplet infection due to close contact with the baby. Furthermore, one cannot ignore the fact that
breastfeeding has numerous potential benefits, which outweigh the probable risks of vertical
transmission. Studies have found the presence of the Covid-19 viral RNA in the breast milk of both
vaccinated and Covid- infected women. Researchers have observed that the immunoglobulin levels in
our body increase as early as two weeks post the vaccine shot. A recent 2021 study found that breast
milk from Covid-19 infected mothers contains the SARS COV2 IgA and IgG antibodies, which acts against
the virus activity. But, we are still uncertain about the intensity of its protective effect. As of today, we
are also yet to discover the long term consequences of these antibodies on our future children’s growth
and development.
Can I breastfeed my baby if I have Covid-19 infection?
If the mother shows Covid-19 symptoms, she should practice the following feeding practices to avoid
transmitting the virus to the baby.
 Wear a proper mask during any type of contact with the baby and dispose the mask once used.
 Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for atleast 20 seconds or use a 60% alcohol based
handrub.
 Mothers can also choose to express breast milk or use the option of infant formula milk if they
are extremely unwell due to Covid-19 infection.
Thus, based on the current available evidence, all mothers can continue to breastfeed their babies with
proper adherence to safety measures, even if they have been vaccinated or have suffered from the
Covid-19 virus. In infants, the risk of COVID-19 infection is low, with the intensity being mild or
asymptomatic, while the consequences of avoiding breastfeeding and isolating the mother and child can
prove harmful for the baby.
References:

1. https://www.who.int/news-room/commentaries/detail/breastfeeding-and-covid-19
2. https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/maternal-or-infant-
illnesses/covid-19-and-breastfeeding.html