Can the flu dry up breast milk?

Understanding the Impact of the Flu on Breastfeeding
The flu, a highly contagious respiratory illness, raises concerns for many breastfeeding parents about the safety of continuing to nurse their infants during illness. A common question is whether the flu can dry up breast milk, a concern that intertwines the health of both the parent and the child.
Flu Transmission and Breast Milk
First and foremost, it is essential to clarify that the flu virus is not transmitted through breast milk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu spreads primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also be contracted by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the mouth or nose. This means that while a lactating parent can continue to breastfeed, they should practice good hygiene to minimize the risk of passing the virus to their baby through direct contact.
Breastfeeding While Sick
Breastfeeding during illness is not only safe but also beneficial. Breast milk is uniquely designed to provide essential antibodies that help protect infants from infections, including the flu. Research indicates that lactating parents who are infected with the flu actually produce antibodies in their milk, which can help bolster their baby’s immune response. Therefore, continuing to breastfeed while sick can be advantageous for the infant’s health.
Does the Flu Affect Milk Supply?
While the flu itself does not directly cause breast milk to dry up, the illness can lead to decreased milk production in some cases. Factors such as dehydration, fatigue, and stress associated with being ill can impact a parent’s ability to produce milk. It is crucial for breastfeeding parents to stay hydrated and rest as much as possible to maintain their milk supply.
Best Practices for Breastfeeding with the Flu
If a breastfeeding parent contracts the flu, they should take several precautions to protect their baby while continuing to nurse:
1. Maintain Hygiene: Wash hands frequently and consider wearing a mask while nursing to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
2. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to help maintain milk production.
3. Rest: Prioritize rest to aid recovery and support milk supply.
In summary, while the flu does not dry up breast milk directly, the overall health and well-being of the breastfeeding parent can influence milk production. Continuing to breastfeed during illness is not only safe but can also provide critical immune support to the infant.

Do soft breasts mean no milk?

Your breasts feel softer
This happens as your milk supply adjusts to your baby’s needs. The initial breast fullness reduces in the first few weeks. At around 6 weeks, breast fullness is completely gone and your breasts may feel soft. This is completely normal and has no effect on your milk supply.

Will my milk supply come back after stomach flu?

Even if you have not eaten for several days, you will still make milk for your baby, your breasts may feel softer so you may notice your baby asking to feed more often. Your milk supply will increase again as soon as you start to feel better.

How to increase milk supply after being sick?

“Sometimes — but not always! — being ill can be stressful on your body, and you may see a dip in your supply,” tells Lori Theisen, Nest Collaborative IBCLC. To recover and protect your milk supply, she advises that you “Stay hydrated, eat well, get lots of rest, and nurse on cue.”

Will my baby get the flu if I have it?

Your child can get a flu virus by touching something that was touched by an infected person, and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes. People are most contagious with the flu 24 hours before symptoms start, and while symptoms are most active. The risk of infecting others often ends about day 5 to 7 of the illness.

Can flu decrease milk supply?

The flu can make even the toughest mom miserable, so self-care is important. Both illnesses and some medications can contribute to a decline in milk productivity, so mothers should keep a close eye on their production, drink plenty of water and get lots of rest.

Can being sick dry up your breast milk?

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.

How to tell if breast milk is drying up?

The following are signs your baby isn’t getting enough milk:

1. Poor weight gain. It’s normal for newborns to lose 5% to 7% of their birth weight in the first few days – some lose up to 10%.
2. Insufficient, wet or dirty nappies.
3. Dehydration.

Can a breastfeeding mom pass flu to a baby?

Flu viruses do not pass through breast milk. Be careful not to cough or sneeze in baby’s face. Wash hands before touching baby. Before breastfeeding, wash breasts with mild soap and water.

Can the flu decrease milk supply?

The flu can make even the toughest mom miserable, so self-care is important. Both illnesses and some medications can contribute to a decline in milk productivity, so mothers should keep a close eye on their production, drink plenty of water and get lots of rest.

What causes breast milk to dry up?

Possible causes of low supply
Nearly all babies need to feed at least 8 to 12 times in 24 hours. Your baby does not feed effectively at the breast. You have started using formula milk as well as breastfeeding. You have had breast surgery that is affecting your milk supply.