Breastfeeding Moms and Covid – How to react to any signs of infection
You are a breastfeeding mom, and you’ve probably been hearing a lot about the COVID-19 vaccine lately. We’re not surprised—it’s a pretty big deal. Understandably, you might be worried about getting the vaccines for yourself, your family, and your baby.
Understandably, you might wonder if breastfeeding moms can take the vaccine. Can you take it? Should you? We’ll break it down for you.
Breastfeeding moms and COVID – vaccines
The short answer is yes, breastfeeding moms can take this vaccine. They are encouraged to get it because it protects them from illness and death from the disease.
First things first: the CDC recommends that pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems avoid the COVID-19 vaccine because they could be at risk of developing complications. But if you’re not in that category, then go ahead and get vaccinated! The good news is that there’s zero chance of transmitting the virus to your baby while breastfeeding. That means newborns are safe to breastfeed even if they don’t get their vaccine doses until after their first birthday (when they’re most vulnerable).
COVID – vaccines yes or no
So, if you’re looking for another reason to get vaccinated against COVID-19, consider this: By protecting yourself from contracting the virus, you’ll also protect your family from being exposed to its potentially harmful effects through contact with others who have it—even if those others have no symptoms yet themselves! And in turn, by protecting them from exposure through contact with someone else who has it before symptoms develop, you can help prevent the spread of the disease.
COVID-19 can be passed from mother to child through breast milk. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, contacting your healthcare provider before receiving any vaccinations is essential. If you plan on becoming pregnant within four weeks after vaccination, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of vaccination.
Breastfeeding moms and COVID
CDC has made it clear that breastfeeding has no risks while you’re taking the vaccine. If you’ve been exposed to someone who has come down with the virus, it’s essential to get your hands on this medication as soon as possible.
That way, if your baby becomes infected—which is unlikely but still possible—they will be protected by your immune system. They won’t have to go through the potentially severe co-virus symptoms of infection.
What should parents do if their child becomes ill with COVID-19 symptoms?
If your child develops a fever or cough, or you see other signs of illness such as a runny nose or sore throat (or any of these symptoms in someone else), contact your pediatrician immediately. Parents should keep their children home from school and other activities until they are better. If your child is sick, keeping them away from others is essential to avoid spreading the illness. This includes other students in the classroom or on the playground at school, as well as other family members and friends.
There are a few things to know:
First, don’t panic! The chances of your baby getting it are pretty slim—and even if they do get it, they’re likely to recover without any complications.
Second, remember that keeping up with your breastfeeding routine is still essential. Even though the virus can be passed through breast milk, the amount of time your baby spends drinking from your breast should be enough for them not to get too sick.
And third: If you have any questions about how to manage breastfeeding while caring for a sick baby, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor or local lactation consultant!
- See also: Nursing clothes
Who are at higher risk of developing serious illness from COVID-19?
People with weakened immune systems, such as HIV/AIDS or cancer, who may not be able to fight off the virus, are most at risk for having more severe illness from COVID-19 infection. Other groups include pregnant women, infants under six months old, young children between 6 months and four years old, and people who live in nursing homes or assisted living facilities (ALFs).
Can COVID-19 be transmitted through food?
No. It’s not transmitted through food or water; however, the spread can occur when people touch surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth before washing their hands thoroughly with soap and water. How long can COVID-19 survive on surfaces? The virus can survive on surfaces for a few hours to several days, depending on the type of surface and temperature.
Breastfeeding moms and COVID-19 – conclusions
There’s a lot of information out there about COVID-19. And while it’s good to know the facts, knowing what to do with them can be challenging. It is better to contact your doctor whenever you are unsure what to do, especially when you are a breastfeeding mom.