How the pandemic has impacted breastfeeding

EL PASO, Texas -- Keeping newborns safe during the pandemic has always been a concern, but no more so because of the pandemic, especially when it comes to breastfeeding.

Now more than a year and a half into the pandemic, Alicia Herrera, lactation consultant at the El Paso Children's Hospital says, the Covid-19 vaccine is the best way to protect moms and their babies.

"The latest studies coming from the CDC indicate that babies cannot get infected with the vaccine," she said.

The American Academy of Pediatrics says more studies need to be done, but Herrera says generally, antibodies from mom make it to the newborn.

"When she breastfeeds her baby, then it's like giving the baby a vaccination against all of the stuff in the environment." 

With August being National Breastfeeding Month, here are some tips to keep in mind if you plan on breastfeeding.

If you are vaccinated, AAP you don't need to take extra precautions, but if you start to wear symptoms, wearing a mask is recommended by the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention.

Babies can also still receive breast milk if you're infected with Covid-19. If you become infected, AAP says mothers should wash their hands and wear a mask.

If you're using a pump, repeat the same steps, and clean all bottles, pump parts, etc.

"Whether you fully breastfeed or you breastfeed part of the time and bottle feed or formula feed, the best thing is to give that breast milk," said Herrera. "Every ounce counts."

August is National Breastfeeding Month. To read more on breastfeeding during the pandemic, click here.