Breast milk from women who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 contains a significant amount of antibodies that may help protect their infants from the virus, according to a study published Aug. 20 in Breastfeeding Medicine.
For the study, researchers collected breast milk and blood samples from 21 lactating healthcare workers (who had not previously had COVID-19) at Shands Hospital between December 2020 and March 2021. They analyzed antibody levels from the samples before vaccination and after the first and second doses.
"We saw a robust antibody response in blood and breast milk after the second dose — about a hundredfold increase compared with levels before vaccination,” Lauren Stafford, a study author and doctoral student of microbiology and cell science at the University of Florida, said in a news release.
The findings suggest vaccinated mothers may be able to pass on immunity to their infants, though more research is needed to confirm whether infants who drink this milk develop their own protection against the virus.
Researchers also said the study is limited since it focuses on a small number of healthcare workers in one city.
To view the full study, click here.