Report
Key advocacy messages on breastfeeding and COVID-19
Prepared by the Global Breastfeeding Collective
Highlights
- Breastfeeding saves lives. Research shows that, by increasing breastfeeding rates, we could save the lives of more than 820,000 children worldwide every year.
- Breast milk provides antibodies that give babies everywhere a healthy boost and protect them against many infections. Antibodies and bio-active factors in breast milk may fight against COVID-19 infection, if baby is exposed.
- Active corona virus has not been found in breast milk, and transmission via breastfeeding has not been demonstrated.
- Children with confirmed COVID-19 have generally shown mild symptoms; reported symptoms in children include cold-like symptoms, such as fever, runny nose, and cough.
- Close contact and early, exclusive breastfeeding helps a baby to thrive, and the unparalleled benefits of breastfeeding outweigh any potential risk of transmission.
Publication date
Languages
English