During the initial phase of COVID-19 vaccination, authorities were clear on the priority groups. People with comorbidities, the elderly, and those working in the healthcare sector were prioritized. Now, anyone can get the vaccine as long as there is one available for their age bracket and they have clearance from their doctor (in the case of people with existing health conditions). But does that include breastfeeding mothers? Here’s what you need to know about taking the COVID-19 vaccine for a breastfeeding mom.
Yes, Experts Recommend the COVID-19 Vaccine for a Breastfeeding Mom
Before we discuss the common questions asked by nursing moms, let’s first emphasize what the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) said. They recommend breastfeeding women to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
According to the US Center for Disease Control (CDC), the COVID-19 clinical trials did not include breastfeeding women. That’s why they have limited data on:
- The safety of COVID-19 vaccines in nursing women
- Effects of the vaccine on breastfed babies
- Effects of the vaccine on milk production or excretion
Still, they stated that a COVID-19 vaccine for a breastfeeding mom wouldn’t cause infection. It is also effective in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection².
The World Health Organization also reiterated that the absence of data doesn’t mean the COVID-19 vaccine is not safe for a nursing woman and their baby.
Frequently Asked Questions on the COVID-19 Vaccine for a Breastfeeding Mom
Now that it’s clear that breastfeeding women can receive COVID-19 vaccines, let’s answer some of the most pressing questions:
1. Do mothers need to stop breastfeeding before and after vaccination?
The Department of Health said mothers do not need to stop breastfeeding their babies before or after vaccination³.
2. What are the risks of a COVID-19 vaccine for a breastfeeding mom and her baby?
A UNICEF document mentioned that COVID-19 vaccines are “biologically and clinically unlikely to pose a risk⁴.”
- mRNA vaccines, such as Pfizer and Moderna, do not contain a live virus and the mRNA doesn’t enter the nucleus where the DNA is.
- Viral vector vaccines, such as AstraZeneca and J&J, also do not contain a live virus.
- Sinovac and Sinopharm use an inactivated virus. Many vaccines that are safe for pregnant women also use inactivated vaccines.
3. Isn’t it safer to stop breastfeeding after vaccination?
As mentioned earlier, mothers do not need to stop breastfeeding after getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
Not only are the vaccines biologically and clinically unable to pose a risk, but breast milk contains all the nutrients the baby needs during the first six months of the infant’s life.
Another reason why mothers shouldn’t stop nursing is that experts say the antibodies moms develop after receiving the vaccine can be passed into breast milk. This could give babies protection against COVID-19⁵.
4. Will the COVID-19 vaccine cause more intense side effects for breastfeeding moms?
Another concern about the COVID-19 vaccine for a breastfeeding mom is the intensity of side effects.
In a study involving mRNA vaccines and 180 breastfeeding mothers⁶, researchers noted that moms experienced temporary symptoms, like:
- Pain, redness, swelling, or itchiness at the injection site
- Fever and chills
- Body aches
- Vomiting
They noted that the symptoms were greater after the second dose.
Lastly, a small proportion of women in the study reported a reduction in milk supply, but it “came back fully within 72 hours.”
Key Takeaways
Do experts recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for a breastfeeding mom?
Yes, they do.
Despite the lack of data, officials say the vaccines are “clinically and biologically unable to pose any risk.” Furthermore, the antibodies mothers produce following vaccination can be passed into the breast milk, which gives the baby a layer of protection against SAS-CoV-2.
If you’re a breastfeeding mother who is interested in receiving the vaccine but is worried, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your doctor.
Learn more about Coronavirus here.
