Breastfeeding and breast milk donation during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak
There is no evidence showing that the virus can be carried or passed on in breast milk. The well-recognised benefits of breastfeeding and the protection it offers to babies outweigh any potential risks of transmission of coronavirus through breast milk.
Provided your baby is well and doesn’t require care in the neonatal unit, you will stay together after you have given birth so skin-to-skin and breastfeeding can be initiated and supported if you choose.
Our Milk Bank at our Women’s Hospital ensures that screening and pasteurisation processes comply with the NICE clinical guidelines 93 and European Milk Banking Association Covid-19 guidelines.
The main risk of breastfeeding is close contact between you and your baby, If you cough or sneeze, this could contain droplets which are infected with the virus, leading to infection of the baby after birth.
Infection can be spread to the baby in the same way as to anyone else, therefore when breastfeeding or expressing milk for donation it is important to:
- Wash your hands before touching your baby, breast pump or bottles
- Practice respiratory hygiene during care, including when feeding, for example by avoiding coughing or sneezing on your baby
- Clean and sterilise all pumping and feeding equipment thoroughly after use
- Express, label and store breast milk as per unit guidance
- Transport breast milk to the neonatal unit in a clean freezer bag and an insulated bag that is thoroughly cleaned between use. If there is an infection in the family, speak to the hospital about guidance for COVID-19.
Donor Breast Milk
Breast milk is essential for preterm babies, as it significantly reduces the risk of serious complications related to prematurity in the short and long term. Mother’s own milk should always be the first choice as this is responsive to her and her baby’s environment. However, if the mother’s milk is not available, donor human milk is the second choice.
At present, there is no evidence that COVID-19 is transmitted through breast milk.
Mothers who are breastfeeding can donate their milk to support other mothers and their babies, provided they meet certain criteria to ensure that donation can be done safely.
Milk can be donated up until the baby is one year of age. We will need to talk to any potential donors to ensure the criteria are met.
If you are interested in being a milk donor, please contact the Milk Bank team on 0121 335 8245 or email bwc.milk.bank@nhs.net