WSU researchers: Despite COVID-19 infection, it is safe to continue breastfeeding
February 10, 2021 10:10 AM Olivia Roberts
PULLMAN, Wash. Researchers at Washington State University have discovered that breastfeeding mothers who have COVID-19 transfer antibodies to their babies without passing along the virus.
The new study, published in mBio, looked at 37 milk samples submitted by 18 women infected with COVID-19. None of the milk samples studied contained the virus, but nearly two-thirds of the samples did contain two antibodies specific to COVID-19.
“The results indicate that it is safe for moms to continue to breastfeed during a COVID-19 infection with proper precautions,” Courtney Meehan, a WSU anthropology professor and co-author on the study, said.