Currently we are all anxious – Covid-19 is changing everything so rapidly and life is uncertain in so many aspects. On the drugs in breastmilk service we are receiving lots of queries about natural remedies for anxiety – Bach flower remedy, Kalms etc – and lots of supplements believed to have powers to protect. These queries are hard to deal with. Sometimes we have anecdotal information but rarely evidence that these are compatible with breastfeeding. It is hard for us to say we don’t know but we hope you understand why we can’t help.

Other ways to deal with anxiety

• Anxiety UK launched a You Tube on living with uncertainty – shorturl.at/qEIL8
• Headspace has a module on anxiety which may help you ground yourself by listening to your breathing.
• There are online CBT modules listed https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/anxiety/ and much sensible information.
• Talk to others and share your anxiety but don’t dwell on it. Most people will develop only mild symptoms.

If I had one thing to share it would be – stay off social media which will probably fuel your anxiety. Listen to the news but not too often. We are in this situation for the long haul sadly and anxiety is exhausting. Enjoy every moment with your baby, value the oxytocin, watch your baby and not your phone. Sadly, there is no magic wand to relieve the anxiety and what-ifs just now. Life is changing daily.  

• Do wash your hands with soap and water often –for at least 20 seconds
• Always wash your hands when you get home or into work or after going outside the house
• Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze or sneeze into your elbow (but change clothes as soon as possible).
• Dispose of used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
• Avoid close contact with people who are unwell
• If you or a member of your family develop a fever or sudden onset cough self-isolate for 14 days and take paracetamol (ibuprofen currently not recommended although evidence of risk is low self help treatment coronovirus)

Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean. There is no need to stop breastfeeding UNICEF and Covid 19, ABM statement on coronovirus 2019,

Keep an eye on the Public Health England information which us updated regularly.