Is it normal to get a fever while breastfeeding?

Understanding Fever During Breastfeeding
Experiencing a fever while breastfeeding can be concerning for new mothers, but it is not uncommon. Various factors can contribute to a fever in breastfeeding women, and understanding these can help alleviate worries about the safety of continuing to breastfeed during illness.
Common Causes of Fever
One of the most prevalent causes of fever in breastfeeding mothers is mastitis, an infection of the breast tissue. This condition affects approximately 1 in 10 breastfeeding women in the U.S. and is often caused by a backup of milk in the ducts, which can occur if the baby is not latching properly or if one breast is favored over the other. Symptoms of mastitis include not only fever but also pain and flu-like symptoms, making it essential for mothers to recognize these signs early.
In addition to mastitis, mothers may develop fevers due to common illnesses such as the flu or colds. Fortunately, health experts generally agree that it is safe to continue breastfeeding even when experiencing these illnesses. Breast milk does not transmit viruses like the common cold or flu, allowing mothers to provide their babies with essential nutrients and antibodies while also benefiting from the comfort of breastfeeding.
Safety of Breastfeeding with a Fever
The consensus among health professionals is that breastfeeding while having a fever is typically safe. The World Health Organization supports this view, stating that mothers with conditions like COVID-19 can still breastfeed, provided they take necessary precautions to avoid transmitting the virus through close contact. This reassurance is crucial for mothers who may feel pressured to stop breastfeeding due to illness.
Breastfeeding during a fever can also be beneficial for the baby. The act of nursing provides hydration and comfort, which is particularly important if the baby is also unwell. Moreover, the antibodies present in breast milk can help bolster the baby’s immune system against infections.
Conclusion
In summary, while a fever can be a common occurrence for breastfeeding mothers, it is generally safe to continue breastfeeding. Conditions like mastitis and common viral infections are manageable, and breastfeeding can provide both comfort and health benefits to the baby. Mothers experiencing a fever should consult with healthcare providers if symptoms persist or worsen, but they can usually feel confident in continuing to nurse their infants during such times.

Can a fever affect the baby while breastfeeding?

If you have a cold or flu, fever, diarrhoea and vomiting, or mastitis, keep breastfeeding as normal. Your baby won’t catch the illness through your breast milk – in fact, it will contain antibodies to reduce her risk of getting the same bug. “Not only is it safe, breastfeeding while sick is a good idea.

What does the beginning of mastitis feel like?

What are some symptoms of mastitis? You might have a red, sore area on your breast. Sometimes it feels like getting the flu. You might feel hot and cold with a fever, and have general body aches.

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.

How to reduce fever while breastfeeding?

Ask your pharmacist to recommend one that is safe for breastfeeding. For pain or fever, you may want to take paracetamol or ibuprofen (not suitable if you have asthma). Follow the instructions on the packet and take it for the shortest amount of time possible.

What happens to a baby if the mother has a fever?

People who had a fever just before or during early pregnancy were more than twice as likely to have a baby with a neural tube defect (NTD) than those who didn’t have a fever. NTDs are birth defects of the brain, spine and spinal cord.

Should you stop breastfeeding if you have a fever?

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.

Why do I get so hot when breastfeeding?

Yes, people who are lactating tend to sweat a little more. This is because prolactin, the hormone responsible for producing breast milk, keeps estrogen levels low. Sweating is one of the main side effects of low estrogen. Even people who feed their baby with formula can experience night sweats.

Does breastfeeding raise body temp?

The release of oxytocin while you’re breastfeeding may make you feel sleepy or relaxed. It can also raise your body temperature making you feel hot while nursing in addition to giving you a headache or making you feel thirsty.

What causes fever while breastfeeding?

Besides causing swelling and redness, mastitis causes breast pain and warmth. An infection also can cause fever and chills. Mastitis most often affects people who are breastfeeding. This is called lactation mastitis.

Can dehydration cause fever breastfeeding?

Conclusions: Dehydration is associated with fever in exclusively breast fed infants during the first several days of life. There were no cases of serious bacterial or viral infections in the cohort of febrile infants with clinical and laboratory signs of dehydration.