Neonatal SARS-CoV-2 Infections in Breastfeeding Mothers

Area of Science:

• Neonatal care
• Infectious diseases
• Public health

Background:

• Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission from mothers to newborns is a significant concern.
• Postpartum mother-newborn separation is a common strategy to mitigate transmission risk.
• The safety of breastfeeding for infants born to SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess SARS-CoV-2 infection rates in breast milk-fed newborns separated from their mothers postdelivery.
• To evaluate breastfeeding rates among these mother-newborn dyads.
• To determine the safety of unpasteurized expressed breast milk in the context of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Main Methods:

• Newborns of SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers were screened for the virus postdelivery and postdischarge.
• Mothers received anti-infectious guidelines before hospital discharge.
• Breastfeeding practices and household SARS-CoV-2 status were monitored via phone calls.

Main Results:

• All 55 participating neonates tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 postdelivery.
• 74.5% of neonates received unpasteurized expressed breast milk during separation.
• 85% of newborns were breastfed postdischarge, and all remained SARS-CoV-2 negative.

Conclusions:

• No SARS-CoV-2 infection was detected in neonates fed unpasteurized breast milk after maternal separation.
• Home breastfeeding by infants of SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers was associated with negative viral status.
• Findings suggest postpartum separation may not be necessary and support the safety of breast milk with precautions.