Evidence shows that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are safe for people who are trying to get pregnant, are pregnant or are breastfeeding/chestfeeding. 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.
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.
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. 1Many 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. 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.
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
Breastfeeding/chestfeeding 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/chestfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic:
Parents are encouraged to initiate or continue to breastfeed.
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.
Parents 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.
Parent and baby should isolate together away from other members of the household until the self-isolation period is complete.
If parents 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.
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.
You can also learn more on our Breastfeeding page or by calling (807) 625-8827 to book a lactation services appointment or phone consult with a Lactation Consultant.
Parents should follow general infection prevention and control measures, while keeping in mind that parents and babies are considered a pair. Thus parents and baby can stay close together, however, the two of them should keep 2 metres apart from others to ensure physical distancing.
If a parent is symptomatic or tested positive for COVID-19, it is recommended she wear a mask when in close contact (i.e. breastfeeding/chestfeeding 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.
If you have questions or concerns related to breastfeeding/chestfeeding and/or infant feeding, please call (807) 625-8827 to speak to a Lactation Consultant or Public Health Nurse with specialized breastfeeding training.
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/chestfeeding challenges can be resolved with help.
TBDHU Supports
TBDHU is offering lactation service 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/chestfeeding 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 Parent 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.
