By Alison Heyerdahl

What could be more stressful than bringing a new human into the world during an unprecedented pandemic? At the beginning of 2020, COVID-19 was a sorely misunderstood disease, and mothers were understandably gripped by fear about passing it onto their newborn babies. As the year has unfolded, and more evidence has come to light, it has been found that COVID-19 rarely passes from mother to baby, and that breastfeeding should be continued even if the mother is infected with the virus.

How do newborn babies become infected with COVID-19?

Babies become infected with COVID-19 the same way as anybody does – through the close contact of those infected with the disease.  Sneezing, coughing or even talking to a newborn can cause the spread of infection, however, the latest scientific evidence shows that it is highly uncommon for a baby to become COVID-19 positive, and even if they are born to a mother with the virus, infection is unlikely (only in 6% of cases).  Furthermore, on the rare occasion that they are infected, babies are seldom symptomatic.  

Can COVID-19 enter breast milk?

One major concern for breastfeeding mothers is the transmission of COVID-19 through their breastmilk.  A recent study showed that the presence of positive viral nucleic acid was rarely detected in any of the breastmilk samples obtained from mothers who were positive for COVID-19.   In the few samples for which COVID-19 was identified, there were only tiny particles of the virus in the breastmilk.  Researchers still do not understand the mechanism by which the virus passed into the breastmilk, and hypothesize that it could have been contaminated by respiratory droplets in the air when the mothers were expressing samples.  

Does breastmilk from a COVID-19 positive mother protect the baby?

It is common knowledge that breastmilk in general contains antibodies that benefit breastfed babies.  Mothers with COVID-19 also develop these antibodies, which serves as an active form of protection against the virus for the baby.  It is important to note that this protection would not be afforded to babies who are formula-fed, thus further underscoring the importance of breastfeeding babies during the pandemic.

How can COVID-19 positive mothers avoid infecting their babies?

Although it has been shown that COVID-19 mothers rarely pass the virus to their babies, it is important to practice good hygiene.  This includes:

• Wearing a mask when breastfeeding or expressing, 

• Washing hands before and after handling the baby, and

• Regularly sanitizing all surfaces.

In conclusion, COVID-19 positive mothers rarely infect their newborn babies with the virus, and if they do, babies are seldom symptomatic.  Mothers with COVID-19 who breastfeed their babies transmit beneficial antibodies that serve to protect the baby from the virus, and practicing good hygiene will help prevent the transmission of COVID-19 from mothers to their babies.