Community Midwifery Care

Q: Can SARS-CoV-2 infection be passed to babies in breastmilk? A: There is no evidence that SARS-CoV-2 infection can pass to babies via breastmilk with NEW find...ings to suggest breastmilk in mothers who have had Covid-19 contains specific SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Insert tiny happy dance here. A recent study of breastmilk in 15 women who had recovered from Covid-19 found specific antibodies to the virus in all samples. The antibodies were specific to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and not present in breastmilk samples obtained before the pandemic. The antibodies passed in breastmilk are most consistently IgA, one component of an immune response. Most samples exhibited a secretory protein required to activate the immune system via the mucosal lining in the mouth, lungs, and gut. This early evidence is promising news for mothers experiencing Covid-19, children consuming breastmilk, and maybe others. The immunoglobulins found in breastmilk act differently than those found in the blood. Similar to convalescent plasma studies, breastmilk could potentially contribute to new treatments for Covid-19 activated in mucosal linings instead of the bloodstream. This study opens the door to new avenues of research, with future studies needed to look at a larger sample of participants over a longer period of time. Newborns and infants CAN be infected with SARS-CoV-2 through the same pathways as adults droplets of infected saliva entering the mouth, nose or eyes of a baby. For this reason, it remains important to maintain SMART precautions to prevent the spread of infection to mothers and babies. Breastfeeding through Covid-19 infection is possible and could provide important benefits to mother and baby, including those shared antibodies. Additional Reading Summary of new study on breastmilk SARS-CoV-2 antibodies: https://www.the-scientist.com//breastmilk-harbors-antibodi Breastmilk antibody study by Alisa Fox, Rebecca Powell, and colleagues https://www.sciencedirect.com//artic/pii/S2589004220309329 American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations on breastfeeding during Covid-19 infection https://services.aap.org//breastfeeding-guidance-post-hos/ Photo Credit: Children’s Hospital of Richmond https://www.chrichmond.org//how-to-safely-breastfeed-your- #families #infection&spread #treatments

For this Trans Day of Remembrance, we're sharing these beautiful things from our site; posters and graphics by H. Melt @hmeltchi and River Kerstetter @ri.iver, ...Edxie Betts, Jose "Primo" Hernandez @primo_agitarte and Agitarte @agitarte and our own @jessxsnow. Search "trans" at Justseeds.org to see these and more works celebrating trans lives and power. . . . #art #tdor #transdayofremembrance #blacktranslivesmatter See more

Join The Motherhood Center and five experts for a discussion on supporting BIPOC women in their transition to motherhood. We have an impressive lineup of paneli...sts who will discuss overcoming health and mental health disparities for perinatal women, mental health and culture, intergenerational trauma, physical challenges in the postpartum period, and much more. This webinar is open to anyone who wants to learn more and discuss perinatal health and mental health disparities for BIPOC women. Everyone who signs up for the webinar will receive 15% off our Mothers of Color Support Group after registration. below to RSVP for FREE. www.bookwhen.com/themotherhoodcenterevents

They told you about the contractions, but did they tell you about the expansion? Did they tell you how your body would open to make way for the whole universe ...to pass through? Did they tell you how your heart would explode with a love bigger than anything you’ve ever known as you pulled your baby to your chest? They told you about the ring of fire but did they tell you about the crown of stars? Did they mention that there’s a moment when your baby enters the world and you leave your body and touch the heavens and become the light of a million galaxies? Did they tell you how the pain of stretching to receive your child would be more exquisite than any sensation you've felt? They told you would scream but did they tell you about how would you roar? Did they tell you about the power that would rise up from your belly as you called your baby forth with your mighty voice? Did they tell you how you would embody the wild woman within you as breathe fire with your song? They told you would bleed, but did they tell you how that sacred blood wouldn't scare you? How you would feel grateful for that magical liquid of life as it trickled down your leg - how you would honour its flow and how it would help you heal a lifetime of hating your body's bleeding cycle. They told these stories and taught you to fear birth, to fear your power, to fear yourself. But you are stronger and wiser than that mama. You know that birth is your divine dance, your soul's song, your moment with God, and you walk fearlessly into her open arms. Beautiful words and art by: Catie from Spirit Y Sol