Does a flu shot affect breast milk supply?

The Impact of Flu Shots on Breast Milk Supply
As the flu season approaches, many breastfeeding mothers are faced with the decision of whether to receive a flu shot. A common concern among these mothers is whether the vaccine could affect their breast milk supply. Understanding the relationship between flu vaccinations and breastfeeding is crucial for both maternal and infant health.
Safety of Flu Vaccines for Breastfeeding Mothers
Health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), have consistently stated that flu vaccines are safe for breastfeeding mothers. Both inactivated and live attenuated vaccines do not pose a risk to breastfeeding infants, and receiving the vaccine does not interfere with the safety of breastfeeding. In fact, when a mother receives the flu vaccine, she develops antibodies that can be passed to her infant through breast milk, providing an additional layer of protection against the virus.
Breast Milk Supply Considerations
While the flu shot itself does not directly affect breast milk supply, the context in which a mother receives the vaccine can play a role. For instance, if a mother experiences mild side effects from the vaccine, such as fatigue or soreness, she may temporarily feel less inclined to breastfeed or pump, which could lead to a decrease in milk supply if not managed properly. Additionally, if a mother contracts the flu, her milk supply may decrease due to illness-related factors, such as dehydration or reduced feeding frequency.
Best Practices for Maintaining Milk Supply
To ensure that milk supply remains stable, breastfeeding mothers are encouraged to continue nursing or pumping regularly, even if they experience mild side effects from the vaccine. Staying hydrated and maintaining a nutritious diet can also help support milk production. If a mother does become ill with the flu, it is advisable to follow good hygiene practices to minimize the risk of transmitting the virus to the infant.
Conclusion
In summary, receiving a flu shot while breastfeeding is not only safe but can also enhance the protective benefits of breast milk for infants. While the vaccine itself does not negatively impact milk supply, mothers should be mindful of their overall health and well-being to maintain a steady supply. By staying informed and proactive, breastfeeding mothers can navigate flu season with confidence, ensuring both their health and that of their infants.

Is it safe to get a flu shot while breastfeeding?

Flu vaccination is safe for breastfeeding women and their infants 6 months and older. Women who get the flu vaccine while pregnant or breastfeeding develop antibodies that are shared with infants through breast milk. Therefore, breastfeeding provides some flu protection for infants.

What decreases milk supply?

Other things that can also lead you to have low milk production include:

• Smoking or drinking.
• Some medicines and herbs.
• Hormonal forms of birth control. This is especially true for birth control that has estrogen.
• Nursing or pumping less often.
• Getting sick.
• Feeling stressed.
• Getting pregnant again.

Does the Depo shot decrease milk supply?

Depo-Provera: The Depo-Provera shot is a progestin-only contraceptive injection administered every three months. While it does not interfere with breastfeeding, some women may experience a decrease in milk supply as a side effect.

Can a flu shot affect fertility?

In fact, the CDC recommends that all women who are actively pursuing pregnancy and those who are already pregnant should receive the flu vaccination. As fertility doctors, we also advise getting a flu vaccine to avoid interruption to your fertility treatment cycle.

Can I breastfeed after a flu shot?

There is no risk of harm to a baby if a mother receives a flu vaccination, only a health benefit!

Can flu shot affect pregnancy?

Several studies conducted by CDC and partners support the safety of the flu vaccine for pregnant people and their babies. Review of reports to the Vaccine Adverse Reporting System (VAERS)12 found no evidence to suggest a link between pregnancy complications or adverse fetal outcomes among pregnant women and flu shots.

Which vaccines should I avoid while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding is a contraindication for smallpox vaccination, and yellow fever vaccine should be avoided in breastfeeding women if possible. Other vaccines should not affect the safety of breastfeeding and can be given to breastfeeding women if otherwise indicated.

Does vaccine immunity go through breastmilk?

COVID-19 vaccine
There has been no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 vaccines are harmful to either breastfeeding women who have received a vaccine or to their babies. Studies have shown that breastfeeding mothers who have received mRNA COVID-19 vaccines have antibodies in their breast milk.

Does flu shot affect breast milk supply?

Flu vaccine safety
Flu vaccination is safe for breastfeeding women and their infants 6 months and older.

Can the flu affect your 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.