We know this is stressful!
Having a baby during the COVID-19 crisis must be very scary. Many families feel like it will be hard to keep their babies safe. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) is the best resource for the most up-to-date information on COVID-19. View the CDC’s webpage on Pregnancy & Breastfeeding During Coronavirus Disease 2019.
Important Things to Consider
Pregnant women need to take precautions as well.
Pregnant women are considered at-risk. It’s especially important for you to take precautions during this time. The most important thing to do is to stay home. It is likely your prenatal clinic has changed practices for appointments. Make sure to call your prenatal clinic to confirm scheduling.
Your delivery may be different then you planned, especially if you are sick.
Your hospital has a lot of new rules and procedures. Your birth plan may have to change, especially if you are sick when you come in for labor and delivery. Reach out to your birthing center to get up-to-the-minute details about things such as visitor rules and how long you can expect to stay in the hospital. The rules are changing daily.
Breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby during this public health emergency.
Did you know that experts agree that breastfeeding may protect your baby from illness, including COVID-19? Breastfeeding is recommended even if you are infected with the COVID-19 virus. The virus has not been found in breastmilk. Think about your feeding plan before delivery, and talk to your doctors and community workers about what they know.
- If you are still thinking about your feeding plan, consider breastfeeding. It is a food, a medicine, and an emergency supply. Breastfeeding is one way you can help to protect your baby.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother with an older baby and you get sick, keep breastfeeding! If possible, wear a mask during feedings. When you are not feeding, try to keep six feet away from your baby. Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face. Stay home.
- If you are too sick to breastfeed or are separated from your baby, try to pump. Any breast milk helps protect your baby from all kinds of infection. Remember, resources are available to you. Reach out to your birthing center, WIC office, home visitor, or health department for help with pumping for retrieving a pump.
- If you stopped breastfeeding and want to start up again, you may have options too! Call the hospital where your baby was born and leave a message for the lactation consultant. She may be able to help you get started. Your WIC office and health department also have lactation consultants who can help you! For more information on relactation, visit Le Leche League International’s webpage on Resuming Breastfeeding After an Interruption.
Your community is still here to help you.
There are many community resources that can help you after discharge, but some may look and function differently. Some offices may be closed, but most are utilizing alternative methods for supporting families such as remote appointments and other electronic services. How services are provided varies community to community. Reach out to your local office to find out how they are operating.
Below are a few resources available to your family:
- Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC): You may qualify for this supplemental food and nutrition education program even if you did not qualify before the COVID-19 public health emergency. Find a WIC location near you.
- If you live in Minnesota, you can use the Minnesota WIC Agency Directory to find WIC support in your area.
- Local Health Department: Contact your local health department. They will be able to direct you to other services available in your community.
- Breastfeeding Coalitions: Breastfeeding coalitions are connected to many local resources. Find your local breastfeeding coalition and ask about resources available to you.
- Your Local School: Some local school districts continue to provide meals to students even when buildings are closed. Availability differs from school to school. Check with your local school for more information.
- Food Pantries: Many communities have local food pantries. Check your local resource pages to see if you are eligible to receive food benefits from your local pantry. Some pantys also provide hygiene essentials and infant necessities such as diapers and formula.
- USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Assistance: You may qualify for FoodShare benefits to purchase grocery necessities. Visit the USDA’s State Directory of Resources to get more information about SNAP in your state and to apply for benefits.
- United Way 211: Professionals are available to help connect you to valuable local social services, including supplemental food and nutrition programs, housing options and utilities assistance, emergency information, and employment opportunities. United Way 211 is available 24/7 in every state. Learn more about United Way 211.
- Local Job Centers: Many families are unable to work during this public health emergency, if you have been laid off make sure to your local job center for important resources to file for unemployment.
- Energy & Utility Assistance: Energy and utility assistance may be available to you. Check with your local energy provider to see your options for programs and services to help you during this public health emergency.