What to do if you get a cold while breastfeeding?

Navigating a Cold While Breastfeeding: What You Need to Know
Getting a cold while breastfeeding can be a challenging experience, but it’s important to know that you can continue to care for your baby while managing your own health. Here’s a detailed look at what to do if you find yourself in this situation.
Breastfeeding is Safe
First and foremost, if you catch a cold, there’s no need to stop breastfeeding. Viruses like the common cold do not pass into breast milk, meaning it is safe for you to continue nursing your baby. In fact, breastfeeding during your illness can be beneficial for your child. Your breast milk contains antibodies that help protect your baby from infections, including the one your body is currently fighting off .
Keep Feeding as Normal
It may feel overwhelming to think about breastfeeding while you’re feeling under the weather, but experts recommend that you maintain your breastfeeding routine. Continuing to breastfeed not only provides your baby with essential nutrients but also helps to strengthen their immune system.
Hygiene Precautions
While breastfeeding is safe, it’s crucial to take some hygiene precautions to minimize the risk of transmitting germs to your baby. Simple practices like frequent handwashing, using hand sanitizer, and avoiding close face-to-face contact can help protect your little one from catching your cold.
Managing Your Symptoms
When it comes to managing your cold symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek relief. Many over-the-counter cold medications are considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider or pharmacist to find suitable options that won’t affect your milk supply or your baby.
Rest and Recovery
Breastfeeding can be demanding, especially when you’re not feeling well. Use this time as an opportunity to rest. Find a comfortable spot to nurse, and allow yourself to take breaks when needed. This is a good excuse to sit down and recuperate while still providing for your baby.
Conclusion
In summary, if you get a cold while breastfeeding, continue to nurse your baby as usual, take necessary hygiene precautions, manage your symptoms with safe medications, and prioritize your rest. Your body is working hard to fight off the illness, and by maintaining your breastfeeding routine, you’re also helping to protect your baby. Remember, you’re not alone in this; many mothers face similar challenges, and support is always available if you need it.

Does your milk supply drop when sick?

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.

Should I stay away from my baby if I have a cold?

The best defense against the common cold is commonsense precautions and frequent hand-washing. Keep your baby away from anyone who’s sick. If you have a newborn, don’t allow visits from anyone who’s sick.

How can I fight a cold while breastfeeding?

Try the following to help the discomfort of a cold or a sore throat when breastfeeding:

1. Take honey and lemon mixed in hot water, or sip on other warm fluids like natural teas to keep your throat moist.
2. Gargle some salt water.
3. If you have a cough, try a cough medicine that is based on glycerine and honey.

Can I pass my cold to my breastfed baby?

Not only is it safe but breastfeeding during illness is also a good idea. The CDC states, “A mother’s breast milk contains antibodies and other immunological factors that can help protect her infant from illness and is the recommended source of nutrition for the infant, even while the mother is ill.

Should I stay away from my baby if I’m sick?

Wash your hands frequently to prevent the spread of germs. Avoid close contact with your baby if you are sick and encourage friends and family to do the same, especially during cold and flu season.

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.

Will my newborn catch my cold?

Babies are especially likely to get the common cold, in part because they’re often around older children. Also, they have not yet developed immunity to many common infections. Within the first year of life, most babies have six to eight colds.

Does baby get cold if mother has cold?

Your baby has already been exposed to the cold virus before you started to develop symptoms. Your body is working hard to produce specific antibodies to protect your baby from the cold virus. By continuing to breastfeed or pump, your baby receives these antibodies through your milk.

How can I help my breastfed baby with a cold?

If your baby has a cold, you can make things easier by trying to keep him or her upright while feeding. Use saline drops and nose suction tools (like a bulb) to ease your baby’s nasal congestion. If nausea or diarrhea is the culprit, nurse as much as you can to keep up your baby’s hydration.

What happens if your mom has a cold 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.