Milk Banking and COVID-19

The KK Human Milk Bank provides an essential service. The milk bank actively monitors ongoing developments regarding the Covid-19 pandemic and how these relate to milk banking.

Breast milk and COVID-19:

The COVID-19 virus is genetically similar to previous coronaviruses such as the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) viruses. Just like these and other flu viruses, it is thought to spread via respiratory droplets which are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Current evidence suggests that transmission to the infant via breast milk is not a likely source of infection.^1,2,3

Heat inactivation of the virus:

Studies have documented complete inactivation of the SARS and MERS viruses by heat treatment at 60⁰C for 30 minutes. Published research has shown that COVID-19 is not any different and can be inactivated by Pasteurisation.² All donor milk at the KK Human Milk Bank undergoes heat treatment by the Holder Pasteurisation method at 62.5⁰C for 30 minutes.

Additional measures at the KK Human Milk Bank:

In addition to the stringent measures for donor screening and milk handling which are already in place, existing donors have been advised to inform the milk bank if they or any of their family members have COVID-19. Donations from such donors are temporarily deferred.

Milk donation after COVID-19 vaccination:

There is evidence to suggest that mothers who take the COVID-19 vaccine can transmit protective antibodies against the virus to their infants via bresatfeeding.⁶ Donors who have received the COVID-19 vaccine can continue to breastfeed their own infants and to donate their excess breastmilk to the milk bank.

We will stay vigilant and ensure that pasteurised donor human milk remains safe and is available for all vulnerable babies.

If you have any concerns, please contact the milk bank via email at milkbank@kkh.com.sg or call 63941986.

References:

1. Pasteurization Inactivates SARS-CoV-2-Spiked Breast Milk. Conzelmann C, Groß R, Meister TL, et al. Pediatrics. 2021;147(1):e2020031690.
   
   
2. Evaluation for SARS-CoV-2 in Breast Milk From 18 Infected Women. Chambers C, Krogstad P, Bertrand K, et al. JAMA. 2020;324(13):1347-1348.
   
   
3. Pregnancy Outcomes in COVID-19: A Prospective Cohort Study in Singapore. Mattar CN, Kalimuddin S, Sadarangani SP, et al. Ann Acad Med Singap 2020; 49:857-69.
   
   
4. Human Milk Banking Association of North America. COVID-19 and milk banking.
   https://www.hmbana.org/file_download/inline/a04ca2a1-b32a-4c2e-9375-44b37270cfbd
   
   
5. European Milk Banking Association, COVID-19 position statement.
   https://europeanmilkbanking.com/covid-19-emba-position-statement/
   
   
6. SARS-CoV-2-Specific Antibodies in Breast Milk After COVID-19 Vaccination of Breastfeeding Women. Perl SH, Uzan-Yulzari A, Klainer H, et al. JAMA. 2021;325(19):2013-2014.