6 top tips for surviving Covid whilst breastfeeding

Covid 19: The virus that changed the world. It’s the virus that has controlled our lives for nearly two years. It’s also something that millions have managed to dodge until recently when the omicron variant wormed its way into almost every household.

As a nurse working throughout the pandemic, I too had managed to swerve Covid until recently. I was surprised at how unwell it made me feel despite the media telling the nation that it only caused common cold and flu-like symptoms.

What I hadn’t thought about, however, was the effect that Covid would have on my breastmilk. I’m breastfeeding my baby daughter who is currently six months old. Three days after testing positive I noticed that my milk started to change colour. It had gone from the typical pearly white to a greyish blue. On the days I felt particularly unwell, I found it turned teal-like. My supply had also started to reduce.

Three days after testing positive I noticed that my milk started to change colour. It had gone from the typical pearly white to a greyish blue.

Having been through Covid and continuing to breastfeed, I wanted to share some of my tips to help others in the same situation.

6 top tips to surviving Covid whilst breastfeeding!

1. Fluid intake

I purposefully tried my best to increase my fluid intake so as not to get dehydrated. I found this was quite an easy task for me, which surprised me as I don’t usually drink a lot. This definitely helped to safeguard my supply.

2. Oats

Typically when unwell, having to eat can become a real chore. I found eating oats was not just beneficial for my supply but quite comforting as it’s more substantial than soup but still warm and comforting. I added flax seed for an extra boost. 

3. Power pump

In between feeds, I added a power-pumping session. This helped to trick my body into producing more milk. This is what helped to protect my supply the most. I also found it so interesting to see how my breast milk was changing in colour as the days passed.

4. Sleep and rest

Take this time to be lazy. I’m usually one for religiously tidying my house but I let it all go. No one can come in and I can’t go out so I let my standards slip and I rested. This helped not only my supply but was so good for my physical and emotional health. As mums, we rarely get this time. The kids stayed in pajamas or loungesuits, we watched films and napped. It was glorious! 

5. Medication

Stay away from cold and flu medication. These contain pseudoephedrine and there’s been evidence to suggest these reduce prolactin which is responsible for milk supply. Also, avoid medication that contains aspirin due to the risk of Reyes disease. You can find out more information on the use of medications whilst breastfeeding via The Drugs in Breast Milk Service.

6. Skin to skin

You’re isolating who needs bras and clothes?! I took this time to have as much skin to skin with the baby as possible. Good for the soul and milk supply! 

Sometimes, all your boobs and milk supply needs are to go back to basics. A bit of self-care, time, and patience can work wonders.

Disclosure: This story is someone’s own personal account of having Covid and breastfeeding. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and are not upheld in any way by boobingit. Please seek the help of a medical professional should you need it whilst breastfeeding.