Stephanie Cleary is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and an original Glamourmom! She wore the first prototype Glamourmom Nursing Bra Tank when it was first introduced in 2000, while she was breastfeeding her first daughter. Today she works with families through her own private practice, Greenwich Lactation Services, as well as Valley Pediatrics of Greenwich. She is also the current president of the Tri-State Breastfeeding Association, a La Leche League leader, and the Area Online Coordinator for La Leche League of Connecticut:

We have asked her about breastfeeding during Covid-19:

I am here to explain why it’s not only safe but also important to breastfeed your baby during these challenging COVID-19 times. 

I would like to start with the fact that breastfeeding offers incredible health benefits for your baby – whether we’re in a pandemic or not. Besides being the best source of nutrition for most babies, breast milk can help protect your baby against numerous short- and long-term illnesses and diseases, including asthma, obesity, Type 1 diabetes, severe lower respiratory disease, ear infections, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). 

Mothers who breastfeed are at lower risk of developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. During breastfeeding, the hormone oxytocin is released in both the mother and baby, reducing stress and inducing a state of calm – an effect perhaps even more crucial during a pandemic.

It should be noted that the Center for Disease Control (CDC) believes it is very unlikely that the novel coronavirus can be passed from mother to baby, but does not know for sure. 

Though our world has changed dramatically over the past six months, the health benefits of breastfeeding have not gone away. A baby breastfed in 2020 will experience the same long-term health benefits as any other baby breastfed during the millions of years of human existence, and very likely without additional risk of COVID-19 transmission.

How do you connect with a lactation consultant during COVID-19?

Many are offering virtual appointments. Check your local area or call your insurance company for a list of providers. Other helpful resources include:

https://uslca.org/resources/find-an-ibclc
https://www.tri-statebreastfeeding.org/
https://www.llli.org/

I hope this sheds some light on the many health benefits of breastfeeding for you and your baby during the pandemic.  If you would like to set up a virtual lactation consultation, I can be reached at:

Stephanie Cleary, IBCLC, RLC
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
203-340-1113
stephanie@greenwichlactation.com
greenwichlactation.com