Covid vaccine & breastfeeding

[Igglepiggle3]

Hello all
I had my covid vaccine on Last Thursday - early as I have just turned 40 but I received the invitation to book an appt. I am not an anti Vaxxer at all but I had some doubts - based on nothing substantial I must admit but more because it had been developed in quick time. I debated booking the test - and one point decided to wait but then after talking to my friend who is a nurse and who has already had the Pfizer jab, convinced me I was in a lucky position and I should have it.
I booked the appt. at this point I should mention I am still breastfeeding my 2 year who who shows no signs of willing to stop!!
The clinic only had the Astra Zeneca in that day which I was ok with as I understood from my limited understanding that this vaccine was developed on a pre-existing ‘template’.
I mentioned to her that I was breastfeeding - she checked with the GP who confirmed it was ok to have the jab. She asked me if I was ok to have it - and I did.
Now I feel abit weird about it - and I know it’s too late to do anything about it... I have continued to breastfeed based on the confirmation from the GP but what if it’s not?
I am not concerned about giving my child covid - I know that’s not possible but what if there is something in the ingredients that could have a detrimental effect? I have looked at the list of ingredients and can’t really see anything.
Does any one have any thoughts? Is anyone continuing to feed after having either vaccine?

It will probably mean your toddler gets some protection too x

If the GP said it was okay, I really wouldn't worry. There is actually early data to suggest that it would be of some benefit to your DC as the antibodies are present in breast milk

I’d be surprised if you haven’t read this, seeing as you seem to be worried, but it’s clearly states there is no known risk.

www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/coronavirus-covid-19-pregnancy-and-womens-health/covid-19-vaccines-and-pregnancy/covid-19-vaccines-pregnancy-and-breastfeeding/

Also, there is a school of though that antibodies will get passed to the feeding baby.

I have done some reading - initially they grouped breastfeeding in with getting pregnant - so no pregnancy and no breastfeeding. Now the breastfeeding advice seems to have changed.
The leaflet with the medication just states there is very little known about the vaccine and breastfeeding. If it’s a vaccine based on an existing template then would the ingredients be ok?

Hi OP
I suggest you read the breastfeeding drug network information www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/coronavirus/#:~:text=As%20with%20other%20vaccines%20there,to%20the%20baby%20is%20ineffective.
These are the top pharmaceutical experts in the country who examine elements of prescription drugs against BF (also handy if you go to the Dr's about anything else).

They have examined each component and said no effect with antibodies then able to pass to baby or toddler

Also for info they said no pregnancy or breastfeeding because under ethical standards you cannot test hence initial statement. The make up of the vaccine was then examined by the breastfeeding drugs Trust who provided up-to-date information and also to the govt.
It's due to the UKs ethics standards it was approved this way it was approved separately in the US for pregnancy and BF but at womens choice.

OP, I thought I remembered your name from before. You do seem very anxious about things so I hope you’re doing ok.

It's fine, really it is. I did loads of reading and research about it before taking mine. I had mine in January (still BF) confident that it has no risks and as a PP says it's probably offering some protection to your little one.

Thankyou all for your replies. It has given me some reassurance. @trunumber did you have the Pfizer or AZ?
@NormanStangerson Thankyou for your message. I do suffer from anxiety - always have to a certain degree but since I have become a mum it’s has got worse. I drive my husband insane! X

I had the AZ vaccine 4weeks ago. Currently breastfeeding my 5month old. If anything I’m hopeful that it will provide him with some immunity too. I did have a good read and totally understand your anxiety but I think pros outweigh cons.

I had the Pfizer vaccine 2wks ago and currently lying in bed breastfeeding my 5wk old baby

I had AZ- I was worried and anxious on the build up to the vaccines coming out, I had no knowledge about the safety of vaccines and breastfeeding so I did loads and loads of reading and spoke to a pharmacist at the breastfeeding network a few times and it was clear by the end it was safe. Im having my second vaccine in a few weeks and have no reservations at all about it.

If you want to read about it the breastfeeding network is very good as is KellyMom.