What to do if youre sick and breastfeeding?

Navigating Breastfeeding While Sick: A Guide for Mothers
When illness strikes, the challenges of motherhood can feel overwhelming, especially for breastfeeding mothers. However, the good news is that breastfeeding while sick is generally safe and can even be beneficial for your baby. Here’s what you need to know to navigate this situation effectively.
The Safety of Breastfeeding During Illness
If you find yourself battling a cold, flu, or even a stomach virus, you can continue breastfeeding as normal. Breast milk is uniquely designed to provide essential nutrients and antibodies that help protect your baby from infections. In fact, when you are sick, your body produces antibodies that are transferred through your milk, potentially reducing your baby’s risk of contracting the same illness.
Common viruses, such as those causing colds, do not pass into breast milk, making breastfeeding not only safe but also a comforting routine for both mother and child. This connection can be particularly soothing during times of illness, allowing you to rest while still nurturing your baby.
Managing Your Health While Breastfeeding
While it’s important to continue breastfeeding, taking care of your own health is equally crucial. Here are some strategies to consider:
– Stay Hydrated: Illness can lead to dehydration, especially if you are experiencing symptoms like fever, diarrhea, or vomiting. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids to maintain your milk supply and overall health.

– Rest When Possible: Your body needs extra rest to recover. Take advantage of breastfeeding sessions as opportunities to relax and recharge.
– Nutrition Matters: Eating nutritious foods can help your body fight off illness. Focus on a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support your immune system.
Protecting Your Baby from Germs
While breastfeeding is safe, it’s still important to minimize the risk of transmitting germs to your baby. Here are some precautions you can take:
– Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, especially before handling your baby or breastfeeding. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of germ transmission.
– Limit Close Contact: If you have a contagious illness, try to limit close contact when possible. Use a mask if you need to be near your baby, particularly if you are coughing or sneezing.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If you are unsure about your specific illness and its implications for breastfeeding, don’t hesitate to consult with healthcare professionals. Your midwife, health visitor, or doctor can provide tailored advice based on your condition and help you navigate any concerns regarding medications and breastfeeding.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding while sick is not only safe but can also provide your baby with vital protection against illness. By taking care of your health, practicing good hygiene, and seeking medical advice when needed, you can continue to nurture your child while prioritizing your recovery. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey—many mothers face similar challenges, and support is always available.

Will my breastfed baby get sick if I’m sick?

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 to do if you’re sick and have a baby?

How to look after your baby when you’re not feeling well

1. You can still breastfeed and bottle feed – but take extra care with cleanliness.
2. Relax the screen time rules a little.
3. Read them some stories, or put on an audio storybook.
4. Get out colouring sheets.
5. Video call grandparents or their friends.

Can I take Tylenol cold and flu while breastfeeding?

Many medicines are safe to use when you breastfeed. These include: Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Some cold and influenza (flu) medicines.

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.

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.

Can I kiss my breastfed baby if I’m sick?

Here are some more tips for breastfeeding when you’re sick: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before and after breastfeeding. Wear a mask while breastfeeding, especially if you have a respiratory illness. Avoid kissing, coughing, or sneezing on your baby.

How can I prevent passing my cold to my baby?

The best defense against the common cold is commonsense precautions and frequent hand-washing.

1. Keep your baby away from anyone who’s sick.
2. Wash your hands before feeding or touching your baby.
3. Clean your baby’s toys and pacifiers often.
4. Teach everyone in the household to cough or sneeze into a tissue.

Will my baby get sick if I am sick?

So, continuing to breastfeed can protect your baby from the infection that your body is fighting. 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.

Should you pump and dump when sick?

Illness and breast milk supply
Ideally, mothers should prioritize rest, hydration, and frequent pumping if they cannot breastfeed directly. If a mother is taking medication that is not recommended for breastfeeding, she can pump and dump to maintain her milk supply until it’s safe to breastfeed again.

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.