Breast-feeding considerations

It isn't yet known if the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted through breast milk. Limited research has shown no evidence of the virus in the breast milk of women with COVID-19. The bigger concern is whether an infected mother can transmit the virus to the baby through respiratory droplets during breast-feeding.

If you have COVID-19 or are a symptomatic person under investigation for having the virus, take steps to avoid spreading the virus to your baby. This includes washing your hands before touching your baby and, if possible, wearing a face mask during breast-feeding. If you're pumping breast milk, wash your hands before touching any pump or bottle parts and follow recommendations for proper pump cleaning. If possible, have someone who is well give the baby the expressed breast milk.