Is it safe for a COVID-positive mother to breastfeed her baby?

Question

Hi doctor,

My friend tested positive for COVID. She has a 1-year-old baby. Could you please suggest to us if she can feed her baby? Also, prescribe some medicines.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your concern in detail and will surely help you out.

Ideally, your friend should not breastfeed the baby, but I can understand it is impossible to leave the baby unfed for days.

The best method is to keep her away from the baby for one week and only bring the baby close to her during breastfeeding. Also, during breastfeeding, your friend should wear a mask and gloves to prevent the baby from catching an infection.

I suggest taking Tylenol for fever and Azithromycin 500 mg once a day for five days.

There is nothing to worry, the problem can be sorted with proper planning as advised. And is just a matter of one week because, in recent cases of COVID, one-week isolation is sufficient.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.