{"id":111330,"date":"2021-04-20T12:02:24","date_gmt":"2021-04-20T16:02:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.oviahealth.com\/guide\/111330\/covid-19-postpartum-and-breastfeeding-your-questions-answered-pregnancy\/"},"modified":"2025-10-10T16:46:38","modified_gmt":"2025-10-10T20:46:38","slug":"covid-19-postpartum-and-breastfeeding-your-questions-answered-pregnancy","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/guide\/111330\/covid-19-postpartum-and-breastfeeding-your-questions-answered-pregnancy\/","title":{"rendered":"COVID-19, postpartum, and breastfeeding: Your questions answered"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Questions about how COVID-19 can impact your postpartum experience? The Ovia Health clinical team answers your questions about COVID-19, postpartum and breastfeeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If I am infected with COVID-19 during delivery, what will happen to my baby after delivery?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you are suspected of or are confirmed to have COVID-19 during your delivery, your baby will likely undergo testing to confirm their infection status and will be isolated from other healthy infants while receiving their normal newborn care [1<\/a>]. You and your baby may be encouraged to share a room (\u201crooming-in\u201d).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can I breastfeed and have skin-to-skin contact with my baby if I am infected with COVID-19?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are currently no known cases where COVID-19 infections have been transmitted through breast milk [2<\/a>, 3<\/a>], so breast milk itself is safe to feed your baby.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experts believe that it is reasonable to directly breastfeed your baby with proper precautions, such as wearing a mask and washing hands thoroughly [4<\/a>]. We know that with other illnesses, you pass antibodies to your baby through your breast milk. Antibodies are what your body makes to help fight off illness. The research into COVID antibodies in breastmilk<\/a> is really encouraging and suggests that antibodies are passed through breastmilk after infection or vaccination for about 90 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rooming-in and skin-to-skin contact are still recommended. While it is the birthing parent\u2019s choice how to participate in these practices, there are many benefits, including better breastfeeding, temperature control, blood sugar, and parent-child bonding. Still, it is very important to wear a mask over your mouth and nose and to clean your hands frequently. And when you\u2019re not nursing, the CDC recommends having Baby<\/span> six feet away from you if possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Will I be separated from my baby if I have COVID-19?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Parents who are COVID-19 positive and coping well with their symptoms should NOT <\/strong>be separated from their baby after giving birth [6<\/a>]. Parents and babies should stay together according to groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), ACOG, CDC and WHO. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have concerns about your particular situation, please bring them up with your healthcare provider, and make sure you fully understand all the risks and benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What about my postpartum appointments? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you test positive for Covid-19 during the early weeks postpartum, many appointments, including mental health assessments, birth control planning and general questions, can all be done virtually. Mental health is a major postpartum concern and standard perinatal depression screeners can be completed at home. In-office visits may still be necessary for those with underlying conditions, wound infections, desire for an IUD or implant, or in the presence of other concerning symptoms. However, be sure to let your provider know you are sick. Ask your provider what option(s) are most appropriate for you, and don\u2019t hesitate to call them if you have any concerns about your physical or mental wellbeing. General recommendations suggest that each person have a check-in by three weeks and a comprehensive 6- to 12-week postpartum appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I am breastfeeding?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Guidance about vaccination may differ depending on which health organization you rely on. ACOG (the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists), recommends people who are trying to conceive, are pregnant, and breastfeeding get vaccinated against COVID [7]<\/a>. As always, your OB or primary care provider is a great resource.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Will my milk supply be impacted if I get COVID-19? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many anecdotal reports suggest that a temporary dip in milk supply can result during or after a COVID-19 infection. This is similar to many other illnesses. Prioritizing rest, and eating and drinking enough, is essential. Supply may take time to rebound, but most nurslings do well being fed on demand. If you are exclusively pumping,  you may need to dip into your freezer stash for a short period of time. Note that some people also experience nipple pain after feeds related to COVID-19 infection, which is believed to be the result of vasospasm. Warm compresses immediately after nursing or pumping can be helpful with this pain. It\u2019s always okay to reach out to a lactation professional for support along your feeding journey!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your COVID-19 guide<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Read more<\/h3>\n\n\n\n