Can a fever affect the baby while breastfeeding?

Understanding the Impact of Fever on Breastfeeding
When a breastfeeding mother develops a fever, it raises important questions about the safety and well-being of both her and her baby. The good news is that, in most cases, breastfeeding can continue safely even when the mother is ill.
Breastfeeding While Sick: A Safe Practice
Health experts generally agree that breastfeeding during a fever is safe. Conditions like the flu or common colds do not typically pose a risk to the baby through breast milk. In fact, breastfeeding can provide protective antibodies to the infant, which may help bolster their immune system against the illness the mother is experiencing. This transfer of antibodies is particularly beneficial, as it can help the baby fight off infections.
The Nature of Fever and Its Causes
A fever itself is a symptom, often indicating that the body is fighting an infection. The underlying cause of the fever—whether it’s a viral infection, bacterial infection, or something else—can influence the mother’s health and her ability to care for her baby. However, most common illnesses that cause fever do not transmit through breast milk.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While breastfeeding is generally safe during a fever, there are exceptions. If the fever is accompanied by severe symptoms, such as a rash, difficulty breathing, or other concerning signs, it’s crucial for the mother to seek medical attention. Additionally, if the illness is contagious and poses a risk to the baby, such as certain bacterial infections, healthcare providers may recommend temporary measures to protect the infant.
Maintaining Breastfeeding During Illness
Mothers are encouraged to continue breastfeeding as it not only nourishes the baby but also provides comfort. The act of breastfeeding can be soothing for both mother and child, fostering a sense of closeness even during times of illness. It’s also important for mothers to stay hydrated and rest as much as possible to aid their recovery.
Conclusion: A Balanced Approach
In summary, a fever does not inherently prevent a mother from breastfeeding her baby. The benefits of continuing to breastfeed often outweigh the risks, as long as the mother is mindful of her health and the nature of her illness. Consulting with healthcare professionals can provide personalized guidance, ensuring that both mother and baby remain healthy and safe during the breastfeeding journey.

Are breastfed babies less likely to get RSV?

Infants receiving (exclusive or partial) maternal milk had lower risk of RSV bronchiolitis. Partial breastfeeding reduces risk of hospitalisation.

Will my breastfed baby get sick if I’m sick?

Influenza, or flu, does not spread to infants through breast milk. The transmission rates of other respiratory illness during breastfeeding are low.

How can I prevent passing my cold to my baby?

The best defense against the common cold is commonsense precautions and frequent hand-washing.

1. Keep your baby away from anyone who’s sick.
2. Wash your hands before feeding or touching your baby.
3. Clean your baby’s toys and pacifiers often.
4. Teach everyone in the household to cough or sneeze into a tissue.

When should you not breastfeed?

Women who actively use drugs or do not control their alcohol intake, or who have a history of these situations, also may be advised not to breastfeed. Infants who have galactosemia—a rare metabolic disorder in which the body cannot digest the sugar galactose—should not be breastfed.

Will my baby get sick if I’m sick?

While you’re sick, though, protect your baby from as many germs as possible. Babies have a higher risk of catching the flu and having health problems from it. So: Wash your hands well and often.

Can having a fever decrease milk supply?

Getting sick. Just catching a virus or bug such as the flu, a cold, or a stomach virus won’t decrease your milk supply. However, related symptoms such as fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting, or decreased appetite definitely can.

What happens to a baby if the mother has a fever?

People who had a fever just before or during early pregnancy were more than twice as likely to have a baby with a neural tube defect (NTD) than those who didn’t have a fever. NTDs are birth defects of the brain, spine and spinal cord.

Does temperature affect breast milk?

Breastmilk quality may also change in hot weather, because of heat as well as the effect of changes in feeding routine.

Can a baby get flu from its mother?

If a mother is not ill with the flu, breastfeeding is encouraged. If you are sick, you may need to express your milk for use in bottle feedings given by a healthy person. It is unlikely a newborn can catch flu from drinking your breast milk when you are sick. Breast milk is considered safe if you are taking antivirals.

Will my fever affect my breastfed baby?

If you have a cold or flu, fever, diarrhoea and vomiting, or mastitis, keep breastfeeding as normal. Your baby won’t catch the illness through your breast milk – in fact, it will contain antibodies to reduce her risk of getting the same bug. “Not only is it safe, breastfeeding while sick is a good idea.