How to not get baby sick while breastfeeding?

How to Protect Your Baby While Breastfeeding When You’re Sick
Breastfeeding is a vital source of nutrition and comfort for infants, but what happens when a breastfeeding parent falls ill? The good news is that, in most cases, it is safe to continue breastfeeding even when you’re not feeling your best. However, there are important precautions to take to ensure your baby remains healthy and protected.
Understanding the Benefits of Breastfeeding While Sick
Breastfeeding while sick can actually be beneficial for your baby. When a parent is ill, their body produces antibodies that can be passed through breast milk, potentially helping to bolster the baby’s immune system. This means that even if you’re under the weather, your milk can provide essential protection against infections.
Moreover, breastfeeding offers comfort to a sick baby, helping them feel secure and loved during a time when they might be feeling unwell. The act of nursing can also help maintain the baby’s hydration and nutrition, which is crucial if they are experiencing symptoms like fever or vomiting.
Precautions to Take
While breastfeeding is generally safe during illness, there are several precautions you should consider to minimize the risk of transmitting infections:
1. Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly before and after breastfeeding. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of spreading germs. If you have a respiratory illness, consider wearing a mask while nursing to prevent droplets from coughing or sneezing from reaching your baby.
2. Monitor Your Symptoms: If you have a contagious illness, such as the flu or a cold, be mindful of your symptoms. While breastfeeding is still safe, if you feel extremely unwell or are unable to care for your baby, it may be wise to express milk and feed it to your baby using a clean cup or spoon.
3. Stay Hydrated and Rested: Your body needs extra care when you’re sick. Ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids and getting enough rest to maintain your milk supply. If you’re feeling particularly fatigued, consider asking for help from family or friends.
4. Consult Healthcare Providers: If you’re taking medication, check with your healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe for breastfeeding. Some medications can affect your ability to nurse, and a lactation consultant can provide guidance on how to manage breastfeeding during illness.
When to Pause Breastfeeding
In rare cases, it may be necessary to pause breastfeeding. If you are diagnosed with an illness that could be harmful to your baby, such as certain infections that can be transmitted through breast milk, consult your healthcare provider for advice. They can guide you on the best course of action, which may include temporarily expressing milk and feeding it to your baby while you recover.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding while sick is not only safe but can also be advantageous for your baby. By taking appropriate precautions—such as practicing good hygiene, monitoring your health, and consulting with healthcare professionals—you can continue to provide your baby with the nourishment and comfort they need. Remember, your body is equipped to protect your little one, even when you’re feeling under the weather.

Can my baby get sick if I am breastfeeding?

“Not only is it safe, breastfeeding while sick is a good idea. Your baby is actually the person least likely to fall ill with your tummy upset or cold, as she has already been in close contact with you and is getting a daily dose of those protective antibodies from your milk,” says Sarah Beeson.

Do babies still get antibodies from pumped milk?

Pros of pumping. Babies who feed exclusively on pumped milk do not get the benefit of a feedback loop between their body and the breast milk. However, they do still gain access to a well-designed food that is rich in healthful fats and antibodies.

What is the 120 pumping rule?

The 120-minute rule is a helpful guideline for exclusive pumpers. It suggests spending at least 120 minutes (or 2 hours) each day pumping. How you divide that time depends on your baby’s age. For example, with a newborn, you might spread it across eight 15-minute sessions throughout the day.

Can I take vitamin C while breastfeeding?

The recommended vitamin C intake in lactating women is 120 mg daily, and for infants aged 6 months or less is 40 mg daily. [1] High daily doses up to 1000 mg increase milk levels, but not enough to cause a health concern for the breastfed infant and is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding.

How can I prevent my breastfed baby from getting sick?

It is important to wash your hands frequently, especially after changing a diaper, using the bathroom and before preparing formula, bottle- or breastfeeding your baby. It is also important that the adults caring for your baby are up-to-date on their vaccinations.

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.

What is the 5 5 5 rule for breast milk?

Something I recommend to moms is the 5-5-5 rule. Try and use milk within five hours at room temperature, five days in the fridge, and by five months in the freezer.

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.

Does breastmilk lose nutrients when pumped?

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), freshly expressed breast milk can be safely kept at room temperature (77°F or colder) for up to 4 hours. Generally, when freshly pumped, breast milk is at its peak regarding nutrients.

How to protect baby when mom has a cold?

Wash your hands well and often. Cough or sneeze into a tissue (and then throw it away). Limit close face-to-face contact with your baby.