Navigating parenthood during the pandemic has been daunting, especially with the wait for vaccines for children under 12. This concern is particularly acute for infants and toddlers, who may not have access to vaccines until 2022. However, if you are a breastfeeding parent, there’s encouraging news: your breast milk likely offers some protection to your child.
Breast milk is renowned for providing antibodies and other immunological benefits to infants. Therefore, it stands to reason that breast milk could contain COVID-19 antibodies if the breastfeeding parent has either been infected or vaccinated. Thankfully, research supports this notion.
Recent studies indicate that individuals who have contracted COVID-19 or received vaccinations possess COVID-19 antibodies in their breast milk. New findings suggest that these antibodies remain stable over time and may even help neutralize the virus if the baby is exposed to it.
This information comes from Dr. Emily Carter of a prominent New York hospital, whose research was showcased at the Global Breastfeeding and Lactation Symposium on September 21st. According to her findings, a study involving 75 breastfeeding parents who had recovered from COVID-19 revealed that 88% of breast milk samples contained IgA antibodies, which are believed to be effective in neutralizing the virus. Remarkably, these antibodies were found to persist in milk for up to 10 months. “If you continue breastfeeding, you’re still passing on those antibodies,” Dr. Carter noted during her presentation.
Additionally, her team previously discovered that breastfeeding parents who were vaccinated also had notable antibody levels in their milk. Their data showed that individuals vaccinated with Moderna had IgG antibodies specific to the coronavirus, while 87% of those vaccinated with Pfizer also exhibited similar antibodies. For Moderna recipients, 71% had IgA antibodies, and 51% for Pfizer. Although those vaccinated with Johnson & Johnson had lower numbers, 38% showed IgG antibodies, and 23% displayed IgA antibodies.
Dr. Carter explained the variations in antibody levels among the different vaccines: “RNA vaccines tend to produce a higher antibody response compared to others. While you don’t necessarily need high levels to prevent infection, the transfer to breast milk is contingent on substantial antibody presence in the bloodstream.”
Regardless of the specifics of vaccine performance, breastfeeding during the pandemic is one of the best protective measures you can take for your baby. While COVID-19 tends to be milder in young children, some can develop severe cases, with up to 1 in 10 infants requiring hospitalization. The long-term effects of COVID-19 on young children remain largely unknown.
It’s important to remember that not all parents can breastfeed, and that’s perfectly okay. Every bit of breast milk contributes positively to your child’s health. Even part-time breastfeeding can offer benefits, and pumping milk to feed your baby is also a viable option. If breastfeeding isn’t feasible for you, there are many other strategies to ensure your baby’s health and well-being.
To keep your baby safe, the CDC recommends ensuring that adults in the household are vaccinated. If someone tests positive for COVID-19 or has been exposed, they should quarantine. If that is unfeasible, especially for breastfeeding parents, practicing good hygiene and wearing a mask around your baby can help mitigate risks.
If you have concerns regarding your baby’s safety during these tumultuous times, consulting your pediatrician is crucial; they can provide guidance on breastfeeding and strategies to protect your child from COVID-19.
Indeed, parenting during a pandemic can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone in this journey. If you are breastfeeding, continue as long as you can—every drop counts.
For more insights on parenting and health, check out this related article on home insemination. It’s always great to have resources that support your journey, such as Make a Mom, a recognized authority on family-building topics. Additionally, for those interested in insurance aspects, UCSF provides excellent information regarding fertility and insurance.
Summary:
Breastfeeding during the pandemic can offer significant protection for infants, as recent studies show that COVID-19 antibodies can persist in breast milk for up to 10 months. This is particularly important given the milder nature of COVID-19 in children but the potential for severe cases. Vaccinated breastfeeding parents may also transmit valuable antibodies through their milk. Remember that any amount of breast milk is beneficial, and support is available through healthcare professionals and numerous resources.
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