How can I fight the cold flu while breastfeeding?

Fighting the Cold Flu While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding while battling a cold or flu can be a daunting challenge for new parents. However, it is essential to understand that continuing to breastfeed during illness is not only safe but also beneficial for both mother and baby.
Breastfeeding is Safe During Illness
If you have the flu, you can safely continue breastfeeding your baby. In fact, breast milk is a vital source of hydration and nutrition for infants, especially when they are ill. It contains antibodies that can help protect your baby from infections, including the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that breast milk is the best option for keeping infants hydrated, particularly if they are unable to breastfeed directly due to illness.
Benefits of Breastfeeding While Sick
Breastfeeding while sick provides your baby with essential immunities. This is particularly crucial for infants under six months old, who are not yet eligible for the flu vaccine. By breastfeeding, you pass on antibodies that can help bolster your baby’s immune system against the virus. Moreover, continuing to breastfeed can also be comforting for both you and your baby, allowing for bonding time even when you’re not feeling your best.
Managing Symptoms While Breastfeeding
While it may feel overwhelming to care for a baby while dealing with cold or flu symptoms, there are several strategies to help you cope. First and foremost, rest is crucial. Your body needs energy to fight off the infection, and taking breaks when possible can aid in your recovery.
Staying hydrated is equally important. Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal teas, or chicken broth, can help alleviate symptoms and maintain your milk supply. If you find it difficult to eat solid foods, these liquids can also provide necessary nutrients and comfort.
Medication Considerations
If you need to take medication to relieve your cold or flu symptoms, many over-the-counter options are considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. However, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure that any medication you take will not adversely affect your milk supply or your baby.
Hygiene Practices
Maintaining good hygiene is vital to prevent spreading the virus to your baby. Wash your hands frequently, especially before breastfeeding or handling your baby. Wearing a mask while breastfeeding can also help reduce the risk of transmission.
In summary, while fighting a cold or flu can be challenging, breastfeeding remains a safe and beneficial practice. By prioritizing rest, hydration, and hygiene, you can continue to provide your baby with the nourishment they need while also taking care of your health.

Will my baby get sick if I am sick during pregnancy?

For the most part, if you get sick while pregnant, it does not affect the baby. However, many cold medicines can potentially harm the fetus, especially in the first trimester.

Is emergen C safe for breastfeeding?

Yes, you can take Emergen-C while breastfeeding, but it’s important to not exceed the recommended dosage. Emergen-C is a supplement rich in vitamin C, often used for boosting immune health. However, while vitamin C is crucial for both you and your baby, consuming it in large amounts can cause digestive upset.

How to fight the flu while breastfeeding?

For women who are breastfeeding with suspected or confirmed flu, the preferred antiviral medication is oral oseltamivir.

Is it OK to breastfeed while sick with a cold?

With most common illnesses like a cold or flu, it is safe to continue breastfeeding your baby as long as you take proper hygiene precautions like handwashing. Continuing to breastfeed will help you to maintain your milk supply and will provide your baby with protection against the illness you are experiencing.

Is emergen C safe to take while breastfeeding?

Yes, you can take Emergen-C while breastfeeding, but it’s important to not exceed the recommended dosage. Emergen-C is a supplement rich in vitamin C, often used for boosting immune health. However, while vitamin C is crucial for both you and your baby, consuming it in large amounts can cause digestive upset.

Will my baby catch my cold if I breastfeed?

With most common illnesses like a cold or flu, it is safe to continue breastfeeding your baby as long as you take proper hygiene precautions like handwashing. Continuing to breastfeed will help you to maintain your milk supply and will provide your baby with protection against the illness you are experiencing.

Can I take emergen C while breastfeeding?

Yes, you can take Emergen-C while breastfeeding, but it’s important to not exceed the recommended dosage. Emergen-C is a supplement rich in vitamin C, often used for boosting immune health. However, while vitamin C is crucial for both you and your baby, consuming it in large amounts can cause digestive upset.

What can breastfeeding moms take for cold and flu?

Summary

• You can continue to breastfeed when you have a cough, cold, the flu or COVID-19.
• You can take paracetamol and ibuprofen whilst breastfeeding, at the normal adult doses.
• Oral decongestants are not recommended when you are breastfeeding as they can reduce your milk supply with just one or two doses.

How can I boost my immune system while breastfeeding?

How Breastfeeding Moms Can Strengthen Their Immunity

1. Eat a balanced diet. Following a well-rounded diet will help protect your body against colds, flus, and other illnesses.
2. Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated will help your immune system—and your milk supply, too.
3. Catch some ZZZs.
4. Get Moving.
5. Keep stress in check.

How to get rid of a cold fast while breastfeeding?

Making sure you take in plenty of fluids and eat nourishing foods. Use saline sprays and humidifiers for nasal congestion and throat lozenges for sore throat and cough. If you are sick enough to need antiviral medications, Tamiflu is preferred for breastfeeding mothers over other antiviral medications.