COVID19 & Breastfeeding Resources

Statement of Strong Medical Consensus for Vaccination of Pregnant Individuals Against COVID-19

Statement of Strong Medical Consensus for Vaccination of Pregnant Individuals Against COVID-19

“As the leading organizations representing experts in maternal care and public health professionals that advocate and educate about vaccination, we strongly urge all pregnant individuals—along with recently pregnant, planning to become pregnant, lactating and other eligible individuals—to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

“Pregnant individuals are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 infection, including death. With cases rising as a result of the Delta variant, the best way for pregnant individuals to protect themselves against the potential harm from COVID-19 infection is to be vaccinated.
“Maternal care experts want the best outcomes for their patients, and that means both a healthy parent and a healthy baby. Data from tens of thousands of reporting individuals have shown that the COVID-19 vaccine is both safe and effective when administered during pregnancy. The same data have been equally reassuring when it comes to infants born to vaccinated individuals. Moreover, COVID-19 vaccines have no impact on fertility.
“Pregnant individuals and those planning to become pregnant should feel confident in choosing vaccination to protect themselves, their infants, their families, and their communities.”

Covid-19 & Breastfeeding

Excerpt: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), transmission of active COVID-19 (virus that can cause infection) through breast milk and breastfeeding has not been detected to date. There is no reason to avoid or stop breastfeeding.

Please see the links to organizations' statements regarding the vaccine.

AAP StatementABM StatementCDC Statement

COVID-19 Vaccine & Breastfeeding

Excerpt: According to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) "it is unlikely that the intact nanoparticle or mRNA would transfer into human milk" and "in the unlikely event that mRNA is present in milk, it would be expected to be digested by the child and would be unlikely to have any biological effects." For now, lactating women are asked to assess their own risks for the virus versus the benefits of vaccination. Additionally, we know that milk cannot transmit the virus, therefore human milk donors who receive the vaccine will be permitted to continue donating. WHO does not recommend discontinuing breastfeeding after vaccination.

Please see the links to organizations' statements regarding the vaccine.

AAP StatementMFM StatementCDC Statement

COVID-19 Positive & Hospitals Stays

Excerpt: According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Mothers and newborns may room-in during their hospital stay. The mother should maintain a reasonable distance from her infant, wear a mask, and perform hand-hygiene when possible.

Please see the links to organizations' statements regarding the vaccine.

ABM StatementMFM Statement, WHO Statement

Covid-19 VACCINE & PREGNANCY

Excerpt: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no specific reason to believe there will be specific risks that would outweigh the benefits of vaccination for pregnant women. For this reason, those pregnant women at high risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 (e.g. health workers) or who have comorbidities which add to their risk of severe disease, may be vaccinated in consultation with their health care provider. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for immunization against COVID-19. WHO does not recommend discontinuing breastfeeding after vaccination.

Please see the links to organizations' statements regarding the vaccine.

AAP StatementABM StatementCDC Statement

Breastmilk & COVID-19

Lactation Services and Breastfeeding Recommendations

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