Keeping Calm During COVID-19 - A Guide for Breastfeeding Mums

There is no doubt the impact of the coronavirus is a difficult time – with some breastfeeding mums and babies worried how they may be affected.

It’s why we're sharing some practical information and breastfeeding tips to help breastfeeding mums and their families stay healthy, well and embrace ways to stay positive and calm during the coronavirus pandemic. Now is no better time than ever to prioritise yourself first.

Why breastfeeding is so important for mums and babies - especially during a stressful time, to support your physical and mental wellbeing

Breastmilk is a living fluid. It’s full of live cells and immune factors to help protect your baby from illness.

Research shows breastmilk plays an insignificant role in the spread of respiratory illnesses – and UNICEF reports the limited studies on breastfeeding women with COVID-19 and other coronavirus infections have not detected the virus in breast milk.

Breastfeeding is also one of the most powerful ways to look after your mental health. It helps foster a secure attachment between you and your child.

Oxytocin, the “love hormone” released with breastfeeding, promotes positive feelings of love, attachment and maternal care with children.

When we’re experiencing heightened stress – which many of the world are feeling right now – we release a stress hormone known as cortisol – when we’re in fight or flight mode.

But thanks to oxytocin, breastfeeding mothers are found to have reduced cortisol in their bodies – and this decrease is also seen in the breastfeeding baby as well.

So, breastfeeding not only helps with maternal anxiety and stress in times like now, but also baby’s – and it’s also linked to lower incidences of PND.

And even if you are unwell, or affected by COVID19, it’s still recommended you continue to breastfeed while taking necessary precautions not to transmit the infection – like washing hands, wearing a mask, cleaning/disinfecting and limiting exposure to other members of the family.

For more information about Coronavirus, you can visit Medela’s special COVID19 information hub for mothers here: https://www.medela.com/breastfeeding/mums-journey/covid-19-information-concerning-breastfeeding?_ga=2.244292291.797866851.1585093869-263220789.1580863073

So how can breastfeeding mums stay physically and emotionally well during this time? Some helpful tips

Now more than ever it’s a time for breastfeeding mums to prioritise your wellbeing – like putting on your lifejacket first. And here are some tips to help you do this: 
 

1. Get out and go for a walk.

Endorphins from exercise will help with stress as well as a good dose of Vitamin D from the sun. Just remember, in these times of COVID-19, to keep a 1.5m distance if you run into someone outside of your family unit.
 

2. Do something you love!

Whether it is cooking, crafting, exercising, gaming, painting, dancing, enjoy an activity that fills your cup, makes you feel good about you!

Keep your babe close by wearing them in a sling, wrap or carrier to help promote those feel good oxytocin vibes as well.
 

3. Since we are all home together, have some lovin’ with your partner.

Sometimes it doesn’t matter where the oxytocin boost is coming from (sex is a great oxytocin release).
 

4. When it comes to breastfeeding and pumping, create a ritual to help with the letdown response

The letdown is a conditioned response – we react to a set of stimuli like being around our baby and nipple stimulation to make it happen.

But introducing other stimuli that’s the same every time can also be helpful – like having your favourite drink, sitting in the same spot, binge watching a series on NETFLIX, and having your snacks close by.
 

5. Take a bath with your baby.

Go in with zero expectation to breastfeed. Just relax and enjoy the warmth and skin-to-skin time. If they latch, even better!
 

6. Get expert help and support tools if you have supply or painful challenges

If you experience a drop in milk supply or you’re experiencing pain, it’s important you talk to a health professional – like your GP or IBCLC or contact the Australian Breastfeeding Association’s Breastfeeding Helpline. Many health professionals are doing telehealth consultations in line with the new COVID19 restrictions. 

Some ways you can increase your supply include feeding or expressing frequently (at least eight times in 24 hours, preferably more often). A pumping bra and double pump can be very helpful – like Medela’s new personalised Flex™ technology breast pumps.

You can also try ‘hands-on’ breastfeeding (massaging your breast while feeding or pumping) to increase milk output. You may also require a nipple shield if you have challenges with pain.
 

7. Nourish yourself

Make sure you’re are eating well, staying well hydrated, and getting lots of rest when you can
 

8. Stay connected - virtually

While we may be forced to isolate, make sure you stay connected to your friends and family via phone and video conferencing. There are also many mums’ communities and information online, like Medela’s Mums Room.
 

9. If you are feeling particularly anxious or depressed, support is there

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed or anxious right now, there is professional support available – including the via the free PANDA National Helpline, 1300 726 306. PANDA (The Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) helps women and their families who are suffering from perinatal anxiety or depression.

But most importantly, it helps to remind yourself COVID19 will pass, as will the emotional challenges of newborn life, and we’ll come out of this stronger than ever.