Anyone had to look after breastfeeding baby with Covid and managed not to give it to them?

[itsnotyouitsyou]

I've just started with symptoms today and I have a 5 month old, I don't have anyone else who can take him so I've just had to lie/sit in bed with him all day, I breastfeed him as well so we have a lot of close contact. (He's also what you'd describe as a Velcro baby and won't be put down hardly at all) I'm washing my hands as much as poss and washing his but he's teething and constantly putting them in his mouth along with anything else within his reach. I don't have a mask so can't wear one plus have asthma so don't know if I can anyway but I would if it would stop him getting it even if I have to suffer. If I could get one that is, it's probably too late I've probably already infected him. Does anyone have any advice please I'm really scared now?

WHO says you should carry on breastfeeding and that the risk is very minimal.

It's not letting me link to the document but search for WHO breastfeeding and Covid on Google to find a link to the guidance.

Keep washing your hands, cough/sneeze away from him. You may not even have Covid and if you do have Covid and he catches it the evidence overwhelmingly suggests he would be absolutely fine. Both of your immune systems can focus on the task at hand if you’re relaxed and calm. Keep feeding him and try and keep the anxiety about Covid in perspective. Hope you start feeling better soon!

Definitely worth getting some masks. Most supermarkets around here has them so you can ask whoever is getting your shopping to pick some up x

I'd sort out a test and then just keep up with the recommended hygiene. Perhaps wash bedding and towels more often.

There's no evidence to say that your baby will have symptoms. If you haven't got temperature control meds in, then ask someone to get them for you. My adult DD had it and lived on ice lollies.

Also, your breast milk will make antibodies which are specific to your baby's environment, so your baby will be fighting off anything you may have as soon as you get it. Babies and children seem to 'get off' most lightly anyway, so try not to worry! I was breastfeeding my toddler earlier this year when my whole family caught what could possibly have been CV. The children were the least effected, and my bf toddler showed only a slight temperature. You're doing the right thing to continue! Hope you feel better soon.

My local parent resource just posted a study saying that in young babies breastfeeding had no effect on infection rates between mum and baby.

In almost every disease, breastfeeding is protective not infective.

I know it’s not the same but the number of coughs and colds I’ve had while breastfeeding that I thought I’d definitely give to my babies and they’ve avoided makes me (entirely unscientifically) believe the antibody thing works brilliantly. I don’t think there’s anything more you can do than what you are doing. Hope you’re over it soon!

Thanks everyone you've really made me feel a lot less panicky. I honestly think the stress and worry about infecting him has made me feel so much worse today. I'm going to try and calm down a bit now but it's hard with all the worst case scenarios. I've ordered a nhs test to do at home. Just feel bad for baby sleeping innocently next to me with me breathing all my germs out around him. I think I feel more scared too as he was prem and couldn't breathe on his own for a while, he's totally fit and healthy now though so don't think it's affected him. Luckily I have paracetamol in and I've got a shopping home delivery coming soon so I'll check if they have masks (probably be too late by then but I'm sure they'll come in handy some point)

I had it back in March, DC2 was 11 months and also very velcro and seemed to be constantly feeding. I did my best to wash hands lots, avoid coughing on her and keep away as much as possible (DH would hold her once she was asleep instead of co-sleeping). She either didn't get it, or had no symptoms. It's a horrible time and the worry is awful, take care of yourself as much as possible

I know you're probably doing this anyway but it's even more important to make sure you are drinking plenty yourself. Take care

If you cant get masks google how to make a mask from a tshirt, or even just cover your face when feeding with a scarf/anything.

I have a bf baby around the same age so understand how worried you must feel. Echo PP on continuing to feed and reassurance given.

Get well soon xx

When I (probably) had it I did (probably) give it to baby DS2. I was very worried as he was only 8 weeks at the time but he just had a cough and gunky eyes for a few days and was otherwise fine. We live in a flat and his big brother was also coughing everywhere so it was impossible to self isolate and I thought it was more important for him to get the antibodies.

Apply for a test - they're easy to access now.

Join the covid 19 baby parents group on facebook. This type of thing is discussed alot... Recently someone tested positive in labour (no symptoms) and baby didnt get it,and was breastfed

I have ordered a test it came today and is being picked up tomorrow so I should know in a few days. I feel worse today but still carrying on with the breastfeeding, baby seems fine so far. I haven't made a mask as I'm with the baby literally 24/7 I thought it wouldn't really work having to wear one that long, unless I made loads and changed them all day but then there's still night time and I'd have to wear one all night (we bed share) I thought you were only supposed to wear them for a little while?

Well if you do have it then your body will be fighting the virus.
So even if you do give him the virus then there is a good chance (although not proven yet??) that the antibodies you are producing will be passed on to him.
In which case you will be giving his immune system a head start by passing on the antibodies before the the virus begins to affect him!

So do try not to worry too much. Do what you can to avoid passing it on to him (or at least delay him catching it as much as possible). But don't stress too much (I know that's easier said than done!). Young children are low risk.

And take care of yourself. Rest, drink lots of fluid, eat lovely food, and most importantly be kind to yourself.