How are Babies affected by COVID-19?
Newborns can become infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 during childbirth or exposure to sick caregivers after delivery. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends special care for newborns born to women who have confirmed or suspected COVID-19. This might include temporarily separating the mother and the newborn to decrease the risk of infecting the baby, monitoring the baby for signs of infection, and, if supplies are available, testing the newborn for COVID-19.
Infants who have COVID-19 or who can't be tested due to a lack of availability and have no symptoms might be discharged from the hospital,depending on the circumstances. It's recommended that the baby's caregivers wear face masks and wash their hands to protect themselves. Frequent follow-up with the baby's health care provider is needed — by phone, virtual visits or in-office visits — for 14 days.
Infants who test negative for COVID-19 can be sent home from the hospital. Until the mother recovers, it's recommended that she minimize close contact with the baby and use a face mask and wash her hands when she is near the baby.
If Mom gets COVID-19 and she's breastfeeding, will it transfer to the baby?
Breastfeeding has not been linked to transmission of COVID-19. However, there have been limited studies. At this time, the virus has been not been detected in breast milk. This does not mean that it isn't possible. There just isn't sufficient evidence available.
If Mom has COVID-19, what can she do to keep the baby safe while breastfeeding?
There is no way to avoid how close mom and her baby must be to breastfeed. However, COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets that can easily be transmitted from a mother to her baby during breastfeeding. Moms who have confirmed COVID-19 respiratory symptoms, are suspicious for COVID-19 or are awaiting COVID-19 test results should take precautions to prevent spreading it to the baby through respiratory droplets. This includes washing hands prior to touching the baby and wearing a face mask while breastfeeding. If mom is pumping or hand-expressing milk, she should wash her hands prior to touching any bottles or pump parts. Someone who is not sick can then feed the baby.