As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the state, the Pennsylvania Department of Health encouraged people who are breastfeeding or chestfeeding to take proper steps to protect themselves so their babies can get the essential nutrients needed to develop and stay healthy.
Parents confirmed to have COVID-19 should take all possible precautions to avoid spreading the virus to their baby. Breastfeeding mothers who have tested positive for COVID-19 and choose to breastfeed and/or express breast milk should:
- Wear a cloth face covering while feeding and during expression of milk
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before each feeding, before touching any pump or bottle parts, and before expressing breast milk
- Use a dedicated breast pump (not shared)
- Follow recommendations for proper pump cleaning after each use
- If possible, expressed breast milk should be fed to the infant by a healthy caregiver who does not have COVID-19, is not at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19, and is living in the same home
The ideal setting for care of a healthy, full-term newborn during the birth hospitalization is within the mother’s room. Mothers should discuss a temporary separation from their newborn with their healthcare team if confirmed to have COVID-19. Decisions about temporary separation should be made with respect to the family’s wishes. Through communication and proactive partnerships between mothers, hospital staff and their communities, breastfeeding remains a top priority of the Department and the families it serves throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
