How can I stop feeling sick while breastfeeding?

Understanding the Challenge of Breastfeeding While Sick
Breastfeeding is a beautiful yet demanding experience, and it can become particularly challenging when a mother falls ill. Whether it’s a common cold, flu, or other ailments, many mothers worry about how their sickness might affect their ability to nurse. The good news is that breastfeeding while sick is generally safe and can even be beneficial for the baby.
The Safety of Breastfeeding During Illness
When a mother is sick, her body produces antibodies that are passed through breast milk, providing her baby with protection against the same illness. This means that even if you have a cold or flu, continuing to breastfeed is not only safe but also advantageous for your child’s immune system. In fact, breast milk does not transmit the microorganisms that cause serious diseases, making it a protective source of nutrition for your baby.
Managing Symptoms While Nursing
Feeling unwell can make the act of breastfeeding feel overwhelming. Here are some strategies to help manage your symptoms while continuing to nurse:
1. Stay Hydrated: Illness often leads to dehydration, especially if you’re experiencing symptoms like fever or vomiting. Drinking plenty of fluids—water, herbal teas, or clear broths—can help maintain your hydration levels and support milk production.
2. Rest as Much as Possible: Your body needs energy to fight off illness. Whenever you can, take breaks to rest. This not only helps you recover faster but also ensures that you can continue to provide nourishment for your baby.
3. Consider Expressing Milk: If you find it difficult to nurse due to nausea or other symptoms, you might want to express your milk and feed it to your baby using a clean cup or spoon. This can be a good alternative if you’re feeling particularly unwell.
4. Use Protective Measures: If you’re experiencing respiratory symptoms, wearing a mask while breastfeeding can help prevent the spread of germs to your baby. This is especially important during flu season or if you suspect you have a contagious illness.
5. Consult Healthcare Providers: If you’re taking medication for your illness, check with your healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe for breastfeeding. Many over-the-counter medications are compatible with nursing, but it’s always best to confirm.
Addressing Nausea During Breastfeeding
Some mothers experience nausea specifically related to breastfeeding, often due to the letdown reflex. This sensation can be unsettling but is typically temporary, subsiding within six to eight weeks as your body adjusts to nursing. If nausea persists, consider changing positions or taking deep breaths before nursing to help ease the discomfort.
Conclusion
While feeling sick can complicate the breastfeeding experience, it’s important to remember that your body is equipped to handle both your health and your baby’s needs. By staying hydrated, resting, and utilizing protective measures, you can continue to provide your baby with the benefits of breast milk while taking care of yourself. Always consult with healthcare professionals if you have concerns about your health or breastfeeding practices during illness.

How do I get over sickness 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.

What is lactation ketoacidosis?

Lactation ketoacidosis is a rare yet severe metabolic emergency that has been reported in breastfeeding mothers. Reduced carbohydrate intake during breastfeeding has been reported as a common trigger for ketoacidosis.

Will my baby get sick if I’m sick and breastfeeding?

In fact, your body will actually start producing antibodies for those illnesses and pass those antibodies through your milk to your baby, effectively reducing the risk and severity of those illnesses to your infant and/or toddler.

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.

At what week does breastfeeding get easier?

WEEKS TWO TO FOUR
Breastfeeding gets easier as you and your baby learn. Your breasts will feel softer, but you are still making all the milk she needs. As your baby grows and changes there will be times when she wants to eat more often for a day or two.

Can breastfeeding hormones make you feel sick?

Milk ejection can be associated with different sensations that vary dramatically between women. These may be localised to the breast such as a ‘drawing’ pain or tingling, to more systemic sensations such as nausea, thirst, fainting or even mental anxiety and depression8.

What can a breastfeeding mom take for nausea?

Treating nausea during breastfeeding

• Cyclizine.
• Hyoscine hydrobromide.
• Metoclopramide.
• Ondansetron.
• Prochlorperazine.
• Promethazine.

What is the 3 month breastfeeding crisis?

These increases occur around the same time for all babies, hence the term “3-months breastfeeding crisis”. This crisis is the most well-known because it is the most challenging for mothers. One reason is that this crisis, unlike others you may experience before, can last up to a month.

What are the hardest days of breastfeeding?

Everyone’s experiences of breastfeeding will vary, so there is no one single day which is the hardest. However, typically, breastfeeding is most challenging during the first week. This is because you are adjusting to life as a new mum, even if it is your second baby, or even your third or fourth.

Is it normal to feel sick all the time while breastfeeding?

Mastitis. Mastitis (inflammation of the breast) happens when a blocked milk duct is not relieved. It makes the breast feel hot and painful, and can make you feel very unwell with flu-like symptoms. It’s important to carry on breastfeeding.