Guidance on breastfeeding during the Covid-19 pandemic

Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992). 2020 Apr;66(4):541-546. doi: 10.1590/1806-9282.66.4.541.

Abstract

Objective: These recommendations aim to provide guidance on breastfeeding for mothers with suspected or confirmed Covid-19.

Methods: We performed a review of the recent medical literature on breastfeeding mothers with suspected or confirmed Covid-19, focusing on the neonatal period.

Results: We analyzed 20 recent publications on breastfeeding, Covid-19, and its transmission through breastmilk. We presented possible options for breastfeeding and their consequences for the mother and the child.

Conclusion: All maternal decisions in relation to breastfeeding are justifiable since the infection by Covid-19 is still poorly known. However, puerperal women and their families must be very well informed to make a conscious choice based on the information available in the literature so far.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Betacoronavirus
  • Breast Feeding* / adverse effects
  • Breast Feeding* / psychology
  • Breast Milk Expression
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / prevention & control
  • Coronavirus Infections / transmission*
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / prevention & control*
  • Mothers / psychology
  • Pandemics / prevention & control
  • Pneumonia, Viral / prevention & control
  • Pneumonia, Viral / transmission*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • SARS-CoV-2