There is currently no evidence that COVID-19 is transmitted through breastmilk. Here are some tips to help keep parents and infants safe while breastfeeding during the time of coronavirus.

I am a lactating mother with a suspected, probable, or confirmed case of COVID-19

• Continue exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months.
• At 6 months, introduce other foods and continue to breastfeed up to 24 months.
• Maintain physical distance (at least 1 metre) while breastfeeding and avoid your touching eyes, nose and mouth.

I am a lactating mother who is ill and unable to breastfeed or express breastmilk.

• Give your infant Ready-to-Use Infant Formula if he or she is under 6 months.
• Give your child ultra-heat-treated milk and complementary food if he or she is 6-23 months.
• You should give your child milk using a cup with a wide mouth or with a cup and spoon.

I have a confirmed case of COVID-19 and have therefore been separated from my child while I recover.

If you are a mother and are COVID-19 positive, you should continue breastfeeding and should not be separated from your infant unless you are too ill or too weak to breastfeed or express milk.

• If your infant is 0-6 months old, they should be fed with Ready-to-Use Infant Formula.
• If your child is 6-24 months old, they should be fed with ultra-heat-treated milk and complementary food.
• Milk should be given to your child using a cup with a wide mouth or with a cup and spoon.

Remember to maintain respiratory hygiene while feeding your child.

• Always wash your hands with soap and water before and after touching your infant.
• Routinely clean surfaces with soap and water which you have recently touched.
• If you have respiratory symptoms, it is recommended to use a face mask when caring for your infant.
• Maintain physical distancing from other people and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.