Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals, and those planning to become pregnant, are at higher risk of experiencing health complications because of COVID-19.
Evidence shows that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are safe for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends you get a complete series with an mRNA vaccine if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
All pregnant or trying to get pregnant individuals are eligible and recommended to be vaccinated as soon as possible. COVID-19 vaccines are recommended, at any stage in pregnancy (including first trimester), as COVID-19 infection during pregnancy can be severe, and the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks.
It is recommended, but not required, that pregnant individuals have a discussion with their treating health care provider, or with a health care provider familiar with their pregnancy, that includes:
a review of the potential risks and benefits of the vaccine,
a review of the risk of acquiring a COVID-19 infection during pregnancy,
a review of the potential risks /consequences associated with a COVID-19 infection during pregnancy, and
an acknowledgment of the limited evidence from clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccines in the pregnant population.
The vaccines are safe for the breastfeeding person, and should be offered to those eligible for vaccination. Recent data shows that mRNA from vaccines do not transfer into breast milk. Anti-COVID-19 antibodies produced by the breastfeeding person have also been shown to transfer through breast milk and provide protection to the infant.
In general, a person who is pregnant may be more vulnerable to getting infections than a person of their age who is not pregnant. It is for this reason that pregnant people should protect themselves using the guidelines for general infection prevention and control. Find more information on these measures on the COVID-19 Stop the Spread page.
Evidence shows it’s rare to pass on COVID-19 to your baby during pregnancy. Once a baby is born, they can get COVID-19 from other people, so it’s important to limit their contact with others.
Talk to your midwife or health care provider about a safe birth plan.
Breastfeeding/chestfeeding can and should continue during the COVID-19 pandemic (there’s no evidence that the virus spreads through breastmilk).
If sleeping in the same room as your baby, make sure it’s well ventilated.
COVID-19 can be more severe in pregnancy, especially as new variants spread. Respiratory infections during pregnancy are a concern as pregnant people are more likely to have serious symptoms and may need to be hospitalized.
Many people who get COVID-19 while pregnant will have mild symptoms. Some can get very sick and develop respiratory complications that need care in the hospital. Giving birth too early in pregnancy (preterm birth) may be more common in pregnant people with severe COVID-19. New COVID-19 variants can spread more easily and make people sicker. People who are over 35, obese or have certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or asthma, have a higher risk of having complications.
Some pregnant people have gone into early labour (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) due to exposure to the virus.
Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19, should self-isolate and get tested right away. Anyone who has been in close contact with a confirmed case or someone who has symptoms of COVID-19, should also self-isolate. Follow all applicable instructions at Ontario.ca/EXPOSED.
It is recommended that the COVID-19 vaccine be offered to people who are planning a pregnancy, are pregnant or are breastfeeding.
If you are Self-Isolating:
Call your health care provider before your appointment to inform them that you are currently in self-isolation and request advice on attending routine prenatal appointments.
If you are unable to access your health care provider for your appointments and you need medical attention, Cover.Health is available as an online/virtual walk-in clinic.
If it is an emergency and you need to attend the Emergency Department, call ahead (if possible) to let them know you have been self-isolating for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 so they can prepare for your arrival.
If you are NOT Self-Isolating:
Call your health care provider first before attending your appointment to see how they will continue with the appointments.
If you are unable to access your health care provider for your appointments and you need medical attention, Cover.Health is available as an online/virtual walk-in clinic.
Any questions specific to your pregnancy or delivery should be directed to your health care provider.
Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding
*Disclaimer* The terms breast milk/breastfeed/breastfeeding are also known as chest milk/chestfeed/chestfeeding respectively and can be used interchangeably. Though the term mother is mostly used, it is meant to be inclusive of parents, caregivers, and significant others.
Breastfeeding can and should continue during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Breastfeeding is emergency preparedness. It provides infants and young children with strong protection against infectious disease and death, and it offers secure access to food. There are rare exceptions when breastfeeding or feeding expressed breast milk is not recommended.
Recommendations for breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic:
Mothers/parents are encouraged to initiate or continue to breastfeed.
Mother/parent and infant should remain together while rooming-in (day and night).
Practice skin-to-skin contact including kangaroo care.
Yes, breastfeeding remains the recommended method for feeding your baby during the COVID-19 pandemic. Breast milk is not known to transmit COVID-19 infection. Breastfeeding will provide your baby with optimal nutrition and protects them from a variety of illnesses and infections, including COVID-19 (i.e. maternal antibodies for COVID-19 can be passed on to baby through breast milk, providing baby with protection against COVID-19).
Precautions to put in place when breastfeeding if COVID-19 is suspected or confirmed in mother/parent or baby are:
Wash hands prior to and after each breastfeeding episode.
Mom/parent should wear a medical/procedural mask when in close contact with her infant. If no medical mask is available, use of a cloth mask is appropriate.
Mother/parent and baby should isolate together away from other members of the household until the self-isolation period is complete.
If mothers who are suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 are at home and are pumping and feeding baby their expressed breast milk, they should continue to follow breast and bottle pump recommendations. For a quick guide please see Breastfeeding Matters.
Information about COVID-19 transmission is emerging daily. For up to date information for parents and caregivers, visit the SafelyFed Canada COVID-19 resources.
Yes! All pregnant, trying to get pregnant, and breastfeeding individuals are eligible and recommended to be vaccinated as soon as possible, at any stage.
At this time, COVID-19 does not appear to be transmitted in breast milk.
Breast milk has many benefits and does not play a significant role in the transmission of other respiratory viruses.
When a person who is lactating becomes ill with a virus, their body makes antibodies to fight the illness. The child then receives those antibodies through the breast milk, helping to protect the child from illnesses to which the parent has been exposed.
If someone becomes ill while breastfeeding, it is important to continue direct breastfeeding so that the child receives immune protection. Interrupting breastfeeding may actually increase the child’s risk of becoming ill.
Because breastfeeding protects the child’s immune system and provides food security, it is especially important that families continue breastfeeding and delay weaning during the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more about where to get help with breastfeeding, please see the "Where To Get Help" section below.
You can also learn more on our Breastfeeding page or by calling (807) 625-8827 to book a breastfeeding/chestfeeding clinic appointment or phone consult with a Lactation Consultant.
Mothers should follow general infection prevention and control measures, while keeping in mind that mothers and babies are considered a pair. Thus mother and baby can stay close together, however, the two of them should keep 2 metres apart from others to ensure physical distancing.
If a mother is symptomatic or tested positive for COVID-19, it is recommended she wear a mask when in close contact (i.e. breastfeeding or skin-to-skin) with baby, medical mask being preferred.
Please visit our Breastfeeding page for more information about how to get breastfeeding off to a good start and signs that breastfeeding is going well.
If there are concerns about breast milk supply or if formula feeding is being considered because of breastfeeding difficulties, it is important to have all the information needed to make an informed decision. Most breastfeeding challenges can be resolved with help. Parents can talk to their health care provider and or visit our Breastfeeding page. For more information on formula feeding check out the Best Start resource on Infant Formula: What you Need to Know.
Because breastfeeding protects the child’s immune system and provides food security, it is especially important that families continue breastfeeding and delay weaning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Breast milk offers complete nutrition for babies. It also has many live cells that protect the infant from illness. It is not possible for formula to duplicate these unique qualities of breast milk.
Call TBDHU to book a breastfeeding clinic appointment with a Lactation Consultant or Public Health Nurse with extended breastfeeding experience.
Families who have a medical need or who have chosen to formula feed need support and information on the type of formula to use, how to prepare, store and feed formula. For more information on how to safely choose, prepare, feed and store infant formula, visit the Kids and Food page.
Please also visit SafelyFed Canada for more information about safe formula feeding during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Visit our page on Breastfeeding to learn more or call (807) 625-8827 to speak with a member of the Breastfeeding Program.
Please know that most breastfeeding challenges can be resolved with help.
TBDHU Supports
TBDHU is offering breastfeeding clinic appointments with a Lactation Consultant or Public Health Nurse every Tuesday and Thursday.
If you would like to schedule a clinic appointment, or if you have questions or concerns related to breastfeeding and/or infant feeding, please call (807) 625-8827 to speak to a Lactation Consultant or Public Health Nurse with specialized breastfeeding training.
Community Supports
Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-797-0000 or TTY 1-866-797-0007, 24 hour telephone breastfeeding support is available.
Bilingual Online Ontario Breastfeeding Services: This website can help you find breastfeeding support services in your community. Just search for your city and see the programs and services that can give you the help and support you need.
Newborns
How to Protect and Support Mom and Baby
After the baby is born, everyone will be excited to meet the new addition to the family. However, it is strongly recommended to follow all layers of protection as we live with and manage COVID-19.
Creative ways using social media and other cyber connections, such as FaceTime and Skype, can also be used to share the joys of your new arrival.
For any questions or concerns related to newborn or infant care, please feel free to contact the Healthy Babies Healthy Children Program at (807) 625-8814.
