How long are COVID antibodies in breastmilk?

Breastmilk contains immune factors that can change over time. After COVID-19 infection or vaccination, antibodies may be detected in milk, but the level and persistence differ between people and depend on the immune response, timing, and type of exposure. Detecting antibodies does not show exactly how much protection a baby has.

Antibodies in milk are different from antibodies transferred across the placenta during pregnancy. They are part of the milk’s local immune environment and are not a substitute for a baby’s routine healthcare or recommended immunisations. If a parent has ongoing fatigue, low mood, or difficulty concentrating after infection, those symptoms can be discussed separately from breastfeeding.

COVID-19 infection alone does not automatically mean breastfeeding must stop. If you are unwell, wash your hands before touching the baby or pumping equipment, improve ventilation, and consider a well-fitting mask during close contact when appropriate. Clean pump parts as directed and avoid coughing toward the baby.

If you feel too ill to feed directly, express milk if you can and ask a healthcare professional about safe alternatives. A clinician can tailor advice when the baby was born early, has a medical condition, or the parent needs medication.

Get urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain or pressure, new confusion, inability to stay awake, or blue, grey, or very pale lips or skin. Seek prompt advice if the baby is struggling to breathe, feeding much less, unusually sleepy, or producing fewer wet nappies.

Ask whether your medicines are compatible with breastfeeding, what precautions to use while unwell, and whether your baby needs assessment after an exposure or change in feeding.