Breastfeeding has many benefits to both mom and baby, and increasingly research is revealing a new benefit: vaccinated mothers’ breastmilk carries antibodies that can protect their babies against COVID-19.
According to recently published data, COVID-19 itself is not transmitted through breastmilk, but antibodies are. Antibodies to COVID-19 have been found in breastmilk, both from mothers who have had COVID-19 and mothers who have been vaccinated.
Of course, being vaccinated protects the nursing mother herself, which is of key importance for her infant’s health. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is a personal choice, but if you are a nursing mother, it is a safe choice.
If a breastfeeding mom is exposed to or infected with COVID-19, she can still safely breastfeed by taking precautions: wearing a mask and washing her hands before and after nursing. Alternatively, she can pump breastmilk for another caregiver to feed the baby until she has recovered.
Connect with a lactation consultant!
No matter where you live it’s easy to access lactation support. Our Board Certified lactation consultants are available for consults either via video visits, in-person or via telephone. You do not need a referral or physician order to schedule an appointment. If you are an existing Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health network patient, schedule your consultation via MyChart or call –
- Acadiana, call (337) 470-BABY, option 4 to connect with our lactation consultants or learn more here.
- Greater Baton Rouge, call (225) 374-HEAL or learn more about Gregory Gelpi, MD, Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health pediatrician and breastfeeding expert, here.
- Jackson, call (601) 200-5995 to connect with our lactation consultants at St. Dominic Hospital.
- Monroe area, call our Lactation Hotline answered 24/7 at (318) 966-4043 or click here for information on our virtual breastfeeding class.
- Northshore, call (985) 730-6744 to connect with our two board certified lactation consultants at Our Lady of the Angels Hospital.
