I’m a breastfeeding mum and I’ve had my COVID vaccination.
Guidelines on having a COVID vaccination have changed for those who are breastfeeding. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) have said that there no known risk in giving available COVID-19 vaccines to breastfeeding women.
Sophia Hunter, Assistant Practitioner at Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust is on maternity leave and is breastfeeding her daughter. Sophia tells us why she took the opportunity to get her COVID vaccination.
“When I received an email regarding booking my slot for the Coronavirus vaccination, I was breastfeeding my little girl, who at the time was only a month old.
“I had some concerns around having the vaccination whilst breastfeeding, due to the advice originally suggesting that it shouldn’t be taken by breastfeeding women. When this advice changed, I decided to do speak with my GP about it.
“After my GP provided me with the information that explained that it was safe for both me and my baby and after a few chats in several online breastfeeding groups I’m part of, I decided to go ahead and book my vaccine.
One of the reasons that people give for not getting their vaccination is the fact they are worried about the side effects. Sophia wants to reassure anyone that is worried about the side effects of the vaccine.
She said: “The only side effects I experienced were for around 48 hours, including feeling lethargic and the site of the vaccination feeling a little tender. These subsided quickly, and I have not had any long-lasting effects.
Sophia is looking forward to getting her second vaccination, safe in the knowledge it will be protecting her, her family and the people she will care for when she returns from maternity leave.
“I am so glad that I decided to have the vaccine; it has given me more confidence when going outside for walks, going to the supermarkets and seeing my support bubble.”
If you have any concerns about the vaccinations, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a chat with your GP, midwife or health visitor. They will be able to offer you informed advice, providing you with the information to decide whether having the vaccination is right for you.