Mother feeding son

Curious about breast-feeding beyond infancy? Know the benefits, the role breast milk plays in an older baby's diet and how to handle others' opinions on the topic. If you plan to continue breast-feeding your child, you might have questions about the process. Get the facts about breast-feeding beyond infancy.

Breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for babies and protects them against illness. Disruption of breastfeeding can lead to a drop in milk supply, refusal by the infant to take the breast, and a decrease in protective immune factors contained in breastmilk. But mothers will be understandably worried and asking themselves whether coronavirus can be passed on through breastmilk and what they can do to protect themselves and their babies. So far, the virus has not been found in breast milk and all mothers are advised to continue breastfeeding, while practicing good hygiene during feeding. These include the 3 Ws:. The main risk for a baby is catching the virus from close contact with the mother or another infected member of the family. If anyone is sick in the household, take extra care to protect your baby by practising the 3 Ws.

However, many mothers need practical support with positioning their baby for breastfeeding and making sure their baby is correctly attached to the breast. Breastfeeding takes time and practice for both mothers and babies. Breastfeeding is also time intensive, so mothers need space and support at home and work.

Breastfeeding is good for both infants and mothers. Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most infants. Breastfeeding can also help protect the infant and mother against certain illnesses and diseases:.