Covid and breastfeeding: Experts respond to photo of green breastmilk
Experts have stressed that breastfeeding while Covid positive remains safe, after a photo of a woman's green breastmilk went viral on social media.
Last week, mum of two Ashmiry shared an Instagram photo of her green breastmilk, comparing it with her regular one after she and her children contracted Covid-19.
"I really wanted to share this photo of my breastmilk! It actually let me know something was going on in my body and my babies," she captioned the image.
"How amazing is breastmilk, it's magical and I'm so thankful to be able to produce it especially now! The colour change indicates that my body is making exactly what Rubi needs! Antibodies, extra fatty and just pure goodness."
The image was then shared by on Instagram by lactation consultants Goldilacts.
"When lactating, our bodies are always doing full body scans of mama and baby and figuring out exactly what to put in breastmilk for babies wellness...Our bodies are so STRONG, so complex and yet so simply magical," the caption explained.
Despite the reassurance, nurses from CPR Kids revealed they received many calls from "concerned mamas" asking for advice on whether it is safe to breastfeed with Covid-19.
In response, they re-shared Ashmiry's post stressing that "the Covid-19 virus has not been found in breastmilk".
Queensland Health echoed this, however highlighted that extra precautions - such as hand sanitising and mask wearing - should still be considered.
"The Covid-19 virus has not been found in breastmilk. However, Covid-19 is easily passed from person to person through close contact. Additional precautions are recommended while in close contact with your baby, (as they are for other infections)," the advice reads.
"If you have COVID-19, it is important to do everything you can to prevent your baby getting the virus, even if you don’t have symptoms."
The recommended precautions are:
This is why it is very important that you:
wash your hands before and after touching your baby–use soap and water for 20 seconds or alcohol-based hand sanitiser/gel
routinely clean and disinfect surfaces you have touched
wear a mask while in close contact including while breastfeeding.
have a healthy adult assist you to care for your baby where possible
Other mums responded to the viral post, sharing their own experiences with their breastmilk when contracting Covid-19.
"Interesting... I tested positive over Christmas and I thought my milk looked a bit on the green side but assumed I was seeing things. One month old negative thankfully. Grateful for breast milk and the benefits of antibodies," shared one mum.
"I had COVID back in November. I didn't pump during that time just focusing on hydrating and eating with fatigue. My toddler breastfed around the clock. Happy as can be, full of energy and no symptoms at all," another wrote.
Regardless of whether or not a virus is involved the Australian Breastfeeding Association explains that breastmilk can come in a variety of colours and can be impacted by a number of things.
They state that green breastmilk may also be a result of eating green-coloured foods like green vegetables or even tablets and concentrates of vitamins. Breast milk can also be blue, yellow, pink, brown, and even black, with each colour indicating a change in the body.
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