Neonatal SARS-CoV-2 Infections in Breastfeeding Mothers

Objectives: Firstly, to assess infection rates pre- and post-discharge in breastmilk-fed newborns of SARS-CoV-2 positive mothers who were separated post-delivery from their mothers and discharged home. Secondly, to evaluate breastfeeding rates pre- and post- discharge.

Methods: Nasopharyngeal swabs for SARS-CoV-2 were obtained from symptomatic and high-risk women in the delivery room. Positive mothers were separated from the newborns. Newborns were screened within 48 hours of delivery and anti-infectious guidelines were imparted to the mothers before discharge. Rescreening took place 14 days or more post-discharge. Data regarding SARS-CoV-2 positive household members and breastfeeding were obtained by follow-up phone calls.

Results: 73 newborns of SARS-CoV-2 positive mothers were born in Israel during the approximately three-month period under study. 55 participated in this study. All neonates tested negative for the virus post-delivery. 74.5% of the neonates were fed unpasteurized expressed breastmilk during the post-partum separation until discharge. 89% of the neonates were discharged home after their mothers were instructed in anti-infection measures. 40% of the households had additional SARS-CoV-2 positive residents. 85% of the newborns were breastfed post-discharge. Results for all of the 60% of newborns retested for SARS-CoV-2 post-discharge were negative.

Conclusions: No viral infection was identified in neonates born to and separated from their SARS-CoV-2 positive mothers at birth and subsequently fed unpasteurized breastmilk. All infants breastfed at home remained SARS-CoV-2 negative. These findings may provide insights regarding the redundancy of post-partum mother-newborn separation in SARS-CoV-2 positive women and, assuming precautions are adhered to, support the safety of breastmilk.