Breastfeeding and COVID-19 Guidance:
If you are breastfeeding and have symptoms of or confirmed COVID-19, avoid spreading the virus to your baby:
Wash your hands well before touching your baby. Wash using soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Wear a face mask, if possible, while breastfeeding.
Wash your hands before touching a breast pump or bottle parts and clean all parts after each use.
If you have a newborn, you may need to be temporarily separated from your baby. You may need to pump your milk, washing your hands well before pumping. A healthy person can feed this milk to your baby. Talk with your healthcare provider about what is best for you and your baby.
Formula Feeding and COVID-19 Guidance:
If you are feeding your baby formula and have symptoms of or confirmed COVID-19, avoid spreading the virus to your baby:
Wash your hands well before touching your baby. Wash using soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Wear a face mask, if possible, while feeding your baby.
Wash your hands before touching bottle parts and clean all parts after each use.
Your WIC-approved formula is the best option for your baby. If you can’t find your WIC-approved formula at your grocery store, take a look at the information below. The list of do's and don'ts below can help you find your WIC-approved formula.
Do:
Do ask a store staff member. They may have WIC-approved formulas at their customer service desk.
Do try a different store.
Do talk with your WIC office.
Do talk with your baby’s doctor.
Do sign up for SNAP if you are eligible and not already enrolled.
Do check with your local food bank to see if they have infant formula.
Don’t:
Don’t feed your baby a homemade formula. This is dangerous! Babies need very specific nutrition. Homemade formula does not have enough of some nutrients and has too much of others.
Don’t feed your baby cow’s milk or milk substitutes.
Don’t water down your baby’s formula. This can cause serious health problems for your baby.
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