Breastfeeding women with mpox

💡 Key message: If you are a breastfeeding mother and have mpox, it is possible to pass the virus to your child through close contact, including when feeding. Contact your healthcare provider for guidance on how to manage you and your child’s health and ensure safe breastfeeding practices.

Supporting messages:

• If you are breastfeeding and suspect you have been exposed to mpox or are experiencing symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately, get tested and seek advice about vaccination if available.
• If you have been diagnosed with mpox, your health care provider will discuss breastfeeding options with you. It may be safer to continue breastfeeding your baby, or you may be recommended to stop for a short while or change feeding practices.
• Breastfeeding might be delayed until criteria for discontinuing isolation have been met (i.e., all lesions have resolved, the scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed), as young children have experienced severe illness during past outbreaks.
• If it is not possible to provide safe feeding solutions for the non-breastfed infant/child, breastfeeding can continue with intensive surveillance of the infant/child’s health status and application of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures such as using a fresh blanket to swaddle the infant/child and the mother wearing gloves and a fresh gown for each breastfeeding session.
• If you choose to continue breastfeeding, prioritize hygiene. Wash your hands and breasts thoroughly with soap and water before and after feeding. Wear a medical mask to minimize the risk of spreading the virus and ensure your breast pump and any feeding accessories are sterilized to avoid contamination. Cover any sores while breastfeeding.
• If you are experiencing severe symptoms such as high fever and a rash with open sores, breastfeeding may be difficult and the risk of passing mpox to your baby may be higher. Discuss options with your healthcare provider including breastmilk alternatives to feed your baby, if required.
• If you do stop breastfeeding, seek advice on stopping your milk production gradually. Stopping suddenly can put you at risk of mastitis. You can consider expressing milk to maintain your supply so you can continue breastfeeding again when you are better if you want to.
• If you have severe mpox, try to limit close contact with your baby until your symptoms are completely gone. If possible, find a healthy caregiver to provide feeding while you manage your recovery. This could be someone else breastfeeding your baby (wet-nurse) or someone supporting you with alternative milk feeding.
• Focus on your recovery by staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest and following other recommendations and guidance made by your healthcare provider.
• Monitor your baby for any signs of illness. If your baby develops a rash, fever, or any other symptoms of mpox, contact your paediatrician immediately.
• If your baby or child has mpox and you are breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider and follow the same steps outlined here, prioritizing hygiene and limiting skin to skin contact as practical.
• Breastfeeding can be stressful, especially if you have health concerns and you don’t feel well. Don’t hesitate to contact your partner, friends or family members for emotional support during this time and talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions and options.