The best way to protect yourself and your baby is to avoid being exposed to the virus. The World Health Organisation (WHO) have issued guidelines on everyday steps that can be taken to prevent and slow down transmission of COVID-19 including:

• Washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available use an alcohol-based sanitiser
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, preferably with a tissue, then dispose of the used tissue immediately in a bin.
• Maintaining social distancing and avoid people who are sick
• Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare professional

 As with all infectious diseases, good hygiene can play a role in controlling its spread. However, the most important public health recommendation is that people report to the nearest health care provider if they develop any symptoms indicative of Coronavirus. Call the office of your health care provider before you go and tell them about any previous travel and your symptoms. They will give you instructions on how to get care without exposing other people to your illness.

For more information visit the WHO website: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

Given that COVID-19 is so new, the understanding of the virus is constantly evolving, however, Public Health England & Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists have highlighted that there is currently no evidence to suggest that the virus can be transmitted through breastmilk^(Ref.1). Infection can be spread to the baby in the same way as to anyone in close contact with you. The benefits of breastfeeding outweigh any potential risks of transmission of the virus through breastmilk or by being in close contact with your child; however, this will be an individual decision and can be discussed with you midwife, health visitor or GP. 

For breastfeeding mothers: Precautions can be taken. Thoroughly wash your hands before touching your baby, breast pump or bottles and clean any breast pumps as recommended by individual manufacturers after each use^(Ref.2).

All mothers who have symptoms should seek medical advice as soon as possible and follow guidance from a health care professional.

 

(Ref. 1)  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection

(Ref 2)  https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/covid-19-virus-infection-and-pregnancy/

It is important to maintain proper hygiene when preparing formula.

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds before making up any formula.

It's important to sterilise all your baby's feeding equipment, including bottles, scoops, teats and utensils in water for 10 minutes at a rolling boil.

• It is best to remove the bottles just before they are used
• If you are not using the bottles immediately, put them together fully with the teat and lid in place to prevent the inside of the sterilised bottle and the inside and outside of the teat from being contaminated.

If you have further questions, please contact your health care professional.

It is important to maintain proper hygiene, preparation, dilution, use and storage when preparing formula. Please check the preparation and mixing instructions on the label and follow them carefully.

Nutramigen LGG^® is a hypoallergenic formula and is different to regular formulas you can buy in supermarkets. The mixing instructions are important to follow in order to preserve the benefits of the friendly bacteria LGG^®.

1. Wash hands thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds. Clean bottles, teats, caps and utensils in water (10 minutes at a rolling boil).
2. Boil fresh water. Cool down to room temperature. Do not use softened water. Pour desired amount of water into clean bottle.
3. Add required number of level scoops of powder (see feeding guidelines). Store dry scoop in the can.
4. Close bottle, roll and shake well until powder dissolves completely (approx. 1 minute). Check temperature on inside of your wrist.
5. Once prepared, formula can spoil quickly.

• • Feed your infant or toddler immediately after preparation or cover and store in a refrigerator at 2–4°C for no longer than 24 hours
  • Do not freeze prepared formula and do not use if unrefrigerated for more than two hours
  • Use formula that has been in contact with your infant or toddler’s mouth within one hour and do not refrigerate
  • Throw away prepared formula left in bottle and clean utensils.

Please always check the preparation instructions on the label and follow them carefully.

Nutramigen LGG^® formula and its mixing instructions have been approved by the Food Standard Agency. It is important to ensure you bring the water to the boil to kill any harmful bacteria.  After which it is safe to cool down to room temperature before adding Nutramigen LGG^® powder.

Please note preparation instructions for Nutramigen PURAMINO are different to Nutramigen LGG^® so please follow the preparation and mixing instructions on the tin.

With guidance and advice changing constantly, we suggest you keep up to date with latest information from the World Health Organization (WHO), UK Government and Public Health England guidelines.

If you have any concerns relating to your child, then please contact your health care professional.

For questions on Nutramigen LGG^® or Nutramigen PURAMINO please contact our consumer helpline +44 (0)1895 230575 Mon – Fri: 9 am - 5 pm.

WHO guidelines

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Public Health England

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection#if-you-are-breastfeeding-while-infected

NHS Guidelines

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/