The IBCLE is postponing the IBCLC exams that were scheduled for March 30 -  April 3, 2020.   They will be rescheduled, but not within the next 60 days.   Please do not contact the testing site to reschedule yourself.  The IBCLE website provides further information.  IBLCE.org

cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/pregnancy-breastfeeding.html?

CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fspecific-groups%2Fpregnancy-faq.html

ILCA

https://ilca.org/covid-19/

“Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most infants. However, much is unknown about COVID-19. Whether and how to start or continue breastfeeding should be determined by the mother in coordination with her family and healthcare providers. A mother with confirmed COVID-19 or who is a symptomatic, should take all possible precautions to avoid spreading the virus to her infant, including washing her hands before touching the infant and wearing a face mask, if possible, while feeding at the breast. If expressing breast milk with a manual or electric breast pump, the mother should wash her hands before touching any pump or bottle parts and follow recommendations for proper pump cleaning after each use. If possible, consider having someone who is well feed the expressed breast milk to the infant.”

Access the information here.

(Published/revised Wednesday 10 February 20; accessed 13 March 20)

United States Lactation Consultants Association = COVID-19 and Breastfeeding

https://uslca.org/covid19-breastfeeding

As the public health situation around COVID-19 continues to progress, below is a list of reliable resources to help guide lactating parents. USLCA will continue to update these links as new information becomes available.

Information:

Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine – https://www.bfmed.org/abm-statement-coronavirus

American Academy of Pediatrics – https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/2019-Novel-Coronavirus.aspx

Center for Disease Control & Prevention – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/pregnancy-guidance-breastfeeding.html

Human Milk Banking Association of North America – https://www.hmbana.org/news/statement-on-coronavirus.html?fbclid=IwAR12pAhJJ05jd_FIJ8xQ7r1H-NmRN5RpaGqdpSgjFy60c8QCaqfWfgRlz6s

International Lactation Consultant Association – https://lactationmatters.org/2020/03/18/ilca-statement-on-breastfeeding-and-lactation-support-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/

La Leche League USA – https://lllusa.org/coronavirus-and-breastfeeding/

National Perinatal Association – http://www.nationalperinatal.org/COVID-19

World Health Organization – https://www.who.int/publications-detail/home-care-for-patients-with-suspected-novel-coronavirus-(ncov)-infection-presenting-with-mild-symptoms-and-management-of-contacts?fbclid=IwAR11pw9EqO1Dt8winmVNF2LnZj_eXkkkV2vb6_hsqj1-2OmFtkjk7FJvkw4

Resources:

HIPAA Emergency Response from US Department of Health and Human Services – https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/special-topics/emergency-preparedness/index.html

Home visit guidelines from CMS – https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-20-18-hha.pdf

Meditation and Relaxation for healthcare providers with Headspace  – https://www.headspace.com/health-covid-19?fbclid=IwAR1yFrD7EgrZ2mJPZxvtDx_mofzKn8sgxDOwgBrf3PsmL3hI3Oudx8SMrsE

Virtual Consult Guidelines from Paperless Lactation – https://paperlesslactation.com/blog/virtual-consult-best-practices-for-lactation-consultants