Some U.S. mothers vaccinated against coronavirus share their breast milk, as research shows it could help spread antibodies to babies.
Mothers who have extra breast milk give it to friends and some try relaxation, getting milk to flow again after stopping breastfeeding, to give COVID-19 antibodies to babies and young children who are not eligible for the vaccine, The New York Times reported Thursday. The newspaper said in recent weeks online forums focused on harvesting have been surrounded by newly vaccinated mothers.
Studies have shown that breast milk from vaccinated mothers contains antibodies against coronavirus, but it is unclear how effective it is in protecting children and babies from the virus.
Experts believe that the longer the baby has breast milk from a vaccinated mother, the longer they would be protected; however, according to the Times, there is not enough research to support the hypothesis.
The researchers told the Times that while there is not enough research on how the coronavirus vaccine affects breast milk, there is enough about how vaccines affect it in general, that there is no reason to believe that it is insecure.
“There’s no reason to think there’s anything in this vaccine that makes it harmful, and there’s reason to believe it would be beneficial,” said Christina Chambers, co-director of the Center for Better Beginnings at the University of California. , San Diego.
Vaccines are open to all adults from a growing number of states across the country, but vaccines are still being investigated before children can receive their shots.
Pfizer and BioNTech announced last week that their coronavirus vaccine had been shown to be 100% effective in children ages 12 to 15 and that Moderna is testing its vaccine in children between six months and 12 years in the U.S. and the United States. Canada.