Breastfeeding Advice during Quarantine (from CHP, DH)

Breastfeeding Advice during Quarantine (from Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health on 30 Mar 2021)

During the quarantine period, should I continue breastfeeding?

Please discuss with healthcare professionals and family regarding whether or not to continue breastfeeding. Breastfeeding brings a lot of health benefits to mothers and babies, including optimal nutrition, antibodies and active cells which can boost child's immunity.

The currently available limited research does not detect the COVID-19 virus in breastmilk, and there is insufficient evidence to show the transmission of virus through breastmilk. However, there is a chance of transmission via droplets or body contact during direct breastfeeding. That said, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), newborns and infants are at low risk of COVID-19 infection. Among the few cases of confirmed infection in young children, most are asymptomatic or have only mild illness.

If you wish to continue breastfeeding, you should take precautions to avoid spreading the virus to your baby:
 Wash your hands before and after touching your baby
 Wear a surgical mask, if possible, during any contact with your baby
 Wash your hands before touching breast pump or bottle parts and clean all parts after each use
 If you are too unwell to breastfeed directly, you can choose to express breastmilk
 If you are unable or wish to suspend breastfeeding, you can give infant formula to your baby and continue to express milk regularly to avoid blocked duct and mastitis
 Monitor your breastfed child for symptoms

Detailed advice: https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/FAQ_Breastfeeding_Quarantine_ENG.pdf

For more information on vaccines, please visit below website
www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en