What if I want to breastfeed?

What if I want to breastfeed?

Breastfeeding has many benefits for both you and your baby, but at this time, it’s not known if the virus can be passed to a baby through breast milk.

If you’re sick but still want to have your baby breastfed, you might want to have another healthy adult feed your baby. If that’s not possible, it’s important to be extra careful when feeding or holding your baby, whether or not you breastfeed. Even though experts don’t know if the virus can be spread through breast milk, you could pass it to your baby through close contact. You can protect your baby by washing your hands often and wearing a face mask while you feed them.

You might choose to pump breast milk for your baby. Whether you’re sick or not, be sure to wash your hands carefully before pumping, and if you are sick at all or have any symptoms, wear a mask while you pump. If you have the option, it’s a good idea to have someone who isn’t sick, or hasn’t been exposed, to clean your pump thoroughly between uses.