I have been getting emails from clients on whether or not they should continue breastfeeding. So, instead of writing the same answer several times, I decided to write a post about it.

Should you continue to breastfeed/pump and bottle-feed your baby?

YES. Continue breastfeeding your baby if you are concerned about, suspected or diagnosed with COVID-19.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) posted guidelines on breastfeeding for nursing parents with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 (that is the disease - COronaVIrus Disease - 2019). You can read the entire guidelines here.

In summary, there are still many things scientists do not know about the transmission of the coronavirus, but "the virus has not been detected in breastmilk" so far. Breastmilk provides antibodies and nutrition for babies and helps protect them against many diseases, including respiratory infections. That being said, the CDC advises that nursing parents with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 wash their hands before touching the infant, use face masks (if possible) when nursing the infant.

Pumping and bottle feeding

Follow proper guidelines, including washing hands, wearing a face mask (if confirmed or suspected COVID-19), and thoroughly washing and cleaning pump parts and bottles. Remember to wash your hands before touching the pump/bottle.

Isolation

The CDC and the American Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine recommend that nursing parents with "confirmed COVID-19 infection should remain separate (home isolation precautions) from other family members and friends or neighbors including the infant, except for breastfeeding."