mitigation strategies, including:The following considerations should supplement local Ministry of Health Guidance.1https://www.who.int/health-topics/health-workforce#tab=tab_1external icon (private or public sector)2https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html3 Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most infants.
We do not know whether mothers with COVID-19 can transmit the virus via breast milk, but the limited dataexternal icon available suggest this is not likely.
A mother’s intention to breastfeed should be supported by maternity care providers. A mother with confirmed COVID-19 should be counseled to take precautions to avoid spreading the virus to her infant, including handwashing.