What We Know About Vaccination, Breastfeeding, and Antibodies
An OB-GYN reviews the latest coronavirus research for lactating people
Many new moms and lactating people are searching for definitive answers about the Covid-19 vaccine and breastfeeding. Considering more than 3.7 million individuals give birth in the United States per year, clear evidence-based guidelines are needed as soon as possible.
Nearly 110 million doses have been administered in the United States. All adults are on schedule to be vaccinated by the end of May, but cities including Dallas and Minneapolis are seeing a surge in cases linked to dangerous Covid-19 variants. Lactating people need fast, reliable answers.
Experts agree that lactating individuals are candidates for vaccination. The American College of Obgyn unequivocally states that Covid-19 vaccines should be offered to those who are breastfeeding.
New evidence shows the vaccine benefits might be even better than we thought. Early data indicates vaccinated individuals may pass protective antibodies through breast milk. Vaccinating someone who plans to breastfeed may result in a “two-for-one special.”
A new preprint report titled “SARS-CoV-2 antibodies detected in human breast milk post-vaccination” is the first study to…
