Navigating parenthood during the pandemic has been daunting, especially with the wait for vaccines for children under 12. This concern is heightened for infants and toddlers, who may not have access to vaccines until 2022. However, if you’re a breastfeeding parent, there’s some encouraging news: your breast milk may be providing important protection for your child.
It’s widely recognized that breast milk contains antibodies and other immune supports for babies. Therefore, it stands to reason that breast milk would also have antibodies against COVID-19 if the breastfeeding parent has been infected or vaccinated. Thankfully, research has confirmed this possibility.
Multiple studies indicate that individuals who have contracted COVID-19 or received a vaccine for it possess COVID-19 antibodies in their breast milk. More recent research suggests that these antibodies are not only present but can remain in breast milk for up to 10 months, potentially helping to neutralize the virus if the baby encounters it.
This information comes from a study led by Dr. Sarah Thompson at a major New York hospital, presented at an international breastfeeding conference. The study analyzed breast milk samples from 75 breastfeeding individuals who had recovered from COVID-19 and found that a remarkable 88% contained IgA antibodies, which are crucial for neutralizing the virus.
Dr. Thompson emphasized the significance: “If you continue to breastfeed, you’re still passing these antibodies to your child.”
Additionally, the same research team found that breastfeeding parents who were vaccinated exhibited strong antibody levels in their milk. Those vaccinated with the Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccines showed varied levels of antibodies. For instance, all Moderna recipients had IgG antibodies, while 87% of Pfizer recipients did as well.
Dr. Thompson noted the differences in antibody production among the vaccines, explaining that RNA vaccines like Moderna produce higher antibody levels compared to viral vector vaccines like Johnson & Johnson.
Breastfeeding during the pandemic is one of the best actions you can take for your baby’s health, especially considering that while COVID-19 tends to be milder in young children, severe cases can occur. Data suggests that up to 10% of infants who contract COVID-19 may require hospitalization.
Of course, not every parent can breastfeed, and that’s perfectly fine! Any amount of breast milk can benefit your child, whether you’re able to breastfeed full-time or part-time. Even pumping milk occasionally can still offer your baby valuable nutrients and antibodies.
Furthermore, it’s crucial to ensure that your baby is surrounded by vaccinated adults. If someone in your household tests positive or has been exposed to COVID-19, it’s vital to follow quarantine guidelines. If isolation is not feasible, maintaining hand hygiene and wearing a mask around your baby is advisable.
If you have concerns about keeping your baby safe during these challenging times, consulting your pediatrician is always a good idea. They can provide guidance on breastfeeding and other measures to protect your child from COVID-19.
This is indeed a challenging time for parents, but remember, every drop of breast milk counts. For additional insights on pregnancy and home insemination, check out our related post here and explore expert resources at Make a Mom and UCSF’s fertility page.
Summary
Research indicates that antibodies against COVID-19 can remain in breast milk for up to 10 months after infection or vaccination, providing essential protection for breastfeeding infants. While breastfeeding is beneficial, it’s important to follow health guidelines and consult pediatricians for any concerns.
SEO Metadata
Antibodies in breast milk, COVID-19, breastfeeding, infant health, vaccination, Dr. Sarah Thompson, immune support, pandemic parenting.
Leave a Reply