COVID-19

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COVID-19

What is coronavirus (COVID-19) and what are its symptoms?

COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus linked to the same family of viruses as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).1 Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath.1 

Can you still breastfeed if you have COVID-19?

If you have been diagnosed with or are suspected of having COVID-19 you and your baby can be supported to remain together while continuing to breastfeed or supply expressed breastmilk for your baby.2 Breastfeeding helps protect babies from a variety of illnesses and importantly keeps mothers and babies together.3 This is because breastmilk contains antibodies and other immune protective factors.  If you have stopped breastfeeding there is help available to restart, please call the Breastfeeding Helpline for support.

What if you are too unwell to breastfeed?

If you are too unwell to breastfeed your baby, another option is to express regularly so that your baby keeps receiving your breastmilk and so is less likely to become unwell. Before expressing, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. If using a breast pump, it is important to ensure proper cleaning is followed. See our article Expressing and storing breastmilk for more information.

Will my supply reduce if I have COVID-19?

Some mothers notice a supply drop when they are unwell. If this happens to you, you can call to speak to an Australian Breastfeeding Association counsellor for support, see a lactation consultant or a medical advisor. You may also find it helpful to read our article Increasing supply.

How can I reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others?

Even if you don’t have symptoms of COVID-19, there are things we can all do in order to minimise the chances of spreading COVID-19. For example, it is important to:

Wash your hands often using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
Cover your mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing, and immediately throwing away any used tissues.
Avoid close contact with anyone who has cold or flu-like symptoms.
See a doctor if you develop even the mildest of symptoms including a runny nose, cough, fever, sore throat etc.1

For the latest information about COVID-19 where you live, refer to your state health department website.

Can breastfeeding women have the COVID-19 vaccine?

There is no reason why breastfeeding women should be in a different category than non-breastfeeding women when it comes to receiving an Australian Government approved COVID-19 vaccine including AstraZeneca.

However, there may be additional benefits from breastfeeding women receiving a COVID-19 vaccine due to maternal antibodies being passed onto the baby via breastmilk. According to the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists "Vaccination is recommended for breastfeeding women. You do not need to stop breastfeeding before or after vaccination. Either Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca is considered safe."

Australia's Department of Health has indicated that breastfeeding women can get an approved COVID-19 vaccine and don't need to stop breastfeeding before or after. Discuss with your General Practitioner if you have specific concerns or related medical history.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended that breastfeeding women be vaccinated against COVID-19 whenever they are part of a group of people for whom vaccination is recommended. The WHO also recommends that women continue breastfeeding after vaccination. Each individual breastfeeding woman should consult with their doctor about receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.