Even in the summer, there are lots of illnesses just waiting to be caught. For a nursing mom who gets sick, what does she do? While it may be the last thing she feels like doing, it is best to keep breastfeeding through almost any common illness and not only is it safe but it is also a good idea.
Breast milk is the healthiest source of nourishment for your baby, providing them with antibodies and other immunological factors to help keep them from getting sick. Breastmilk is the recommended source of nutrition for infants even when the mother is ill. If a mother is too sick to feed her infant at the breast and another healthy caregiver is caring for the infant, the breastfeeding mother should still regularly express her milk.
Illnesses such as cold, flu, fever, diarrhea, vomiting and COVID do not pass through breast milk. The body starts producing antibodies for those illnesses and passes those antibodies through the milk to the baby. Continuing to breastfeed can protect your baby from the infection that your body is fighting. While it won’t completely stop them from becoming sick, breast milk’s protective properties mean breastfed babies tend to be unwell less often and recover faster, than formula-fed babies.
Breast milk supply could decrease for some mothers while ill, so continuing to breastfeed can help maintain the milk supply. If you’re worried about your baby’s risk or are too sick to breastfeed, pump your breast milk and have someone who is not ill feed the baby. Mothers may need additional lactation support from a lactation provider or a physician to address any breastfeeding concerns that may arise during their illness.
Nearly every over-the-counter medication carries some warning to breastfeeding moms, so consult with a doctor before taking medicine. Some medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen are safe to take while breastfeeding but be careful with those that include pseudoephedrine as it can decrease milk supply. Should your illness require antibiotics, be sure to review them with your OB/GYN or primary care provider and let the prescribing doctor know you are breastfeeding.
As when you are not sick, you still need to protect your baby from as many germs as possible and good hygiene is a great place to start. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after touching your baby. You may also use an alcohol-based hand rub. It is also important to clean and disinfect any surfaces that you have touched. Wash breastmilk pumps, milk storage containers and feeding utensils after every use. Your chest only needs to be washed if you have just coughed on it. Otherwise, your breast does not need to be washed before every feeding.
Limit close face-to-face contact with your baby. Wear a mask during breastfeeding to avoid coughing, sneezing, or breathing into your baby’s face. This can help protect your baby from respiratory viruses, such as RSV and coronavirus. Increasing ventilation, opening windows or turning on an air purifier can also help prevent the virus from spreading. Call the doctor right away if your baby gets any symptoms.
Being sick and continuing to breastfeed can be exhausting. Get as much rest as you can to give your immune system a chance to fight back. Drink plenty of clear fluids and eat when you can. Ask family or friends to help so you can focus on recovering. Take care of yourself so you can take care of your baby.
Vaccines are one of the best ways to keep your whole household healthy. It’s safe and recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding moms to be vaccinated for the flu and COVID-19.
If you are a breastfeeding mom and feeling under the weather, West Tennessee Medical Group OB/GYNs and Pediatricians can help you get better and answer any questions you may have. To find one close to you, click here.
