Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) : pregnancy, breastfeeding, and caring for newborns

Updated Dec. 18, 2020Key Points\u2022 Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most infants. We do not know whether mothers with COVID-19 can transmit the virus via breast milk, but the limited data available suggest this is not likely.\u2022 Whether and how to start or continue breastfeeding should be determined by the mother in coordination with her family and healthcare providers.\u2022 A mother with confirmed COVID-19 should be counseled to take precautions to avoid spreading the virus to her infant, including handwashing and wearing a cloth face covering.This interim guidance is intended for healthcare providers who care for breastfeeding women and infants who receive breast milk feeds in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This interim guidance is based on what is currently known about SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and the transmission of other viral respiratory pathogens. CDC will update this interim guidance as additional information becomes available. For related guidance, refer to Considerations for Inpatient Obstetric Healthcare Settings and Evaluation and Management Considerations for Neonates at Risk for COVID-19.COVID-19 and pregnancy -- Caring for newborns when the mother has COVID-19 -- COVID-19 and breastfeeding.2020E:\cpapFiles\WebServer\COVIDpregnancyBreastfeedingNewborn2020dec18.pdfhttps://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/pregnancy-breastfeeding.html881