Breastfeeding during the Coronavirus pandemic
Today (Thursday), October 1, marks the beginning of National Breastfeeding week in Ireland, which runs until October 7, 2020. Public Health Nurse and Lactation Consultant, Mairead McCahill, takes us through the benefits of breast feeding, especially during a pandemic...
With daily public health information being circulated about the Coronavirus, it is especially pertinent that the importance of breastfeeding during the Coronavirus pandemic is highlighted.
2020 will be forever remembered as the year of the lockdown/the Covid-19 Pandemic. Normal life is disrupted and every area of life has been affected. No area has escaped the impact and none more so than during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.
Breastfeeding protects the mother and child; its health benefits are undisputed and based on evidence. Current evidence is showing that Coronavirus is not transmitted via breastmilk and breastfeeding benefits outweigh possible risks during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly if the mother has tested positive for Coronavirus.
During every breastfeed there is direct transfer of antibodies and anti-infective factors from the mother to the child, via breastmilk. Each time the mother’s immune system is in contact with a pathogen (germs), her body makes antibodies to help her fight off an infection. As breastmilk is made from the mother’s blood, these antibodies transfer into the breastmilk and, from there, to her baby. For as long as a baby continues to breastfeed s/he will continue to benefit from this immune protecting process along with an ever-changing nutritional component that changes as the child gets older.
Becoming a parent is hard. Nothing really prepares you for the impact a new baby has on your life. Every parent wants to do their best for their baby and they seek help and information when unsure of what to do. It is important that parents have access to evidence -ased support and information so that they can make informed decisions on how to proceed. When it comes to breastfeeding support and information, it is important that that information is protective of the breastfeeding mother and baby and every breastfeeding issue should have a breastfeeding solution.
The HSE supports breastfeeding mothers through support and care from nurses and midwives within the hospital, and public health nurses and practice nurses in the community. In Cavan and Monaghan, there is a dedicated breastfeeding specialist service in both Cavan General Hospital and in the Public Health Nursing service in the community. They are International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC), which is the gold standard for lactation support worldwide. Support is currently provided via phone/virtual and face-to-face consultations. There are also HSE Peer Supporter Breastfeeding support groups throughout both counties.
Voluntary organisations like La Leche League, Ciudiú and Friends of Breastfeeding also provide mother to mother support throughout Ireland and have moved to online/virtual support during the pandemic.
The following quote is from a mother who has continued to breastfeed her toddler following her return to work, on the frontline, as a healthcare professional
“I’m happy to say that I’m still breastfeeding and will continue to do so until my child decides to stop and I am very proud to do so. I feel that I am, in some way, giving my child the best possible chance of staying well because of the amazing health benefits that breastfeeding gives to him.
“It’s also good for my own wellbeing knowing that he is still getting the vital nutrients incorporated into his changing dietary needs. As you know, I am a huge advocate for breastfeeding and especially encouraging mums to feed beyond the recommended six months, even after returning to work, and hope that the positive culture of breastfeeding continues to be highlighted and promoted”.
Details about breastfeeding support can be accessed through the HSE mychild.ie website: