What happens if a breastfeeding mother gets sick?

The Impact of Illness on Breastfeeding Mothers
When a breastfeeding mother falls ill, the situation can be concerning, not just for her but also for her infant. However, the good news is that in most cases, continuing to breastfeed is not only safe but also beneficial for both mother and child.
Breastfeeding While Sick: A Protective Measure
Breastfeeding during illness can actually provide protective benefits to the baby. When a mother is sick, her body produces antibodies and immune factors that are transferred through her breast milk. This means that even if she is fighting off a virus, her milk can help bolster her baby’s immune system against the same infection. For instance, if a mother has a cold or the flu, the viruses responsible for these illnesses do not pass into breast milk, allowing her to continue nursing without fear of transmitting the illness to her child.
Managing Symptoms and Feeding
While many mothers can continue breastfeeding, there are instances where they may feel too unwell to nurse directly. In such cases, expressing milk becomes a viable alternative. Mothers can pump their milk and feed it to their infants using a clean cup or spoon, ensuring that the baby still receives the nutritional and immunological benefits of breast milk. This method allows mothers to rest and recover while still providing for their child.
When to Pause Breastfeeding
It is very rare for a mother to need to stop breastfeeding due to illness. According to experts, only a few serious conditions, such as HIV or HTLV-1, might necessitate a temporary or permanent cessation of breastfeeding. For most common illnesses, the recommendation is to continue breastfeeding, as the benefits far outweigh the risks.
Precautions to Take
While breastfeeding during illness is generally safe, mothers should take precautions to minimize the risk of transmitting germs. This includes practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently and avoiding close contact when possible. If a mother is experiencing severe symptoms that prevent her from breastfeeding, she should consult with healthcare professionals for guidance on how to manage her situation effectively.
Conclusion
In summary, when a breastfeeding mother gets sick, the best course of action is usually to continue breastfeeding. Not only does this provide essential nutrients and antibodies to the baby, but it also allows the mother to rest and recover. With proper management and support, both mother and child can navigate the challenges of illness together, ensuring that the breastfeeding relationship remains strong and beneficial.

Can sickness be passed through breast milk?

So, here is the good news. Your body has superpowers! Did you know that you cannot pass illnesses such as the cold, flu, fever, diarrhea, vomiting and even COVID through your breast milk?

What to do if you are sick while breastfeeding?

If you have a cold or flu, fever, diarrhea 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.

Will my baby get sick if I’m sick?

While you’re sick, though, protect your baby from as many germs as possible. Babies have a higher risk of catching the flu and having health problems from it. So: Wash your hands well and often.

Does breastfeeding while sick affect the baby?

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.

What illnesses should you not breastfeed?

When Should I Not Breastfeed My Baby?

• If the mother has been infected with HIV or has AIDS.
• Many medications taken by the mother may pass onto the baby via breast milk.
• Mothers with cancer who are taking cancer chemotherapy medications also cannot breastfeed their babies.

Do soft breasts mean low milk supply?

Your breasts feel softer
This happens as your milk supply adjusts to your baby’s needs. The initial breast fullness reduces in the first few weeks. At around 6 weeks, breast fullness is completely gone and your breasts may feel soft. This is completely normal and has no effect on your milk supply.

Can being sick dry up your breast milk?

Getting sick. Just catching a virus or bug such as the flu, a cold, or a stomach virus won’t decrease your milk supply. However, related symptoms such as fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting, or decreased appetite definitely can.

Can a sick mother still breastfeed?

Breastmilk protects infants against many infections. Most health organizations recommend that mothers breastfeed, even when sick, with few exceptions.

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.

When should you not breastfeed?

Women who actively use drugs or do not control their alcohol intake, or who have a history of these situations, also may be advised not to breastfeed. Infants who have galactosemia—a rare metabolic disorder in which the body cannot digest the sugar galactose—should not be breastfed.