Is It Ok to Breastfeed When Sick?

Breastfeeding can sometimes be a struggle. The logistics and nuts and bolts of breastfeeding aren’t always easy to figure out at first. Getting the latch right can be tricky for the baby. Positioning might be awkward for the parent. You’ll probably wonder if you’re doing it right A LOT. Are you feeding your baby too much or too little? Should you be feeding your baby on a schedule, or is it OK to feed your baby whenever they are hungry? These are all very common questions and concerns and mean that sometimes it doesn’t feel easy or natural. Don’t worry, you are perfectly normal.

The good news is that there are a lot of things about breastfeeding that you don’t have to worry about, and it’s not always as easy as we might think to mess it up.

You Can Breastfeed While You’re Sick

There are only a very few rare illnesses that, if you have them, would make breastfeeding unsafe for your baby. It’s safe to breastfeed when you’re sick with most illnesses as long as you’re following some basic precautions. Make sure to wash your hands really well before touching your baby or your breast or any bottle or pump parts. You may also consider wearing a mask when you’re sick to reduce the chances of your baby getting sick. Your milk is safe, but if you’re very sick and worry about making your baby sick by being too close, you can also pump or hand express milk and let someone else bottle feed it to your baby. If you plan to continue breastfeeding, It’s very important to continue to breastfeed and/or pump through illness so that your milk supply doesn’t drop.

It’s amazing how your body will protect your milk supply, even through some pretty big obstacles. Most medications are safe to take while you’re breastfeeding, although it’s best to contact a lactation consultant to find out for sure. Your body usually protects your milk supply from things like medications, viruses, bacteria, dehydration, famine, and other harmful things. Breasts have a pretty incredible security system!

It Can Actually Be Extra Good to Breastfeed When you’re Sick

It’s very difficult or even impossible sometimes to pass on harmful things to your baby in your breastmilk. But you can very easily pass on helpful things.

Your breastmilk changes constantly. When you’re sick, your immune system kicks into gear and your body produces antibodies to fight off the virus or bacteria. Those antibodies DO get into the breastmilk supply and are shared with your baby. This helps your baby develop a healthy immune system. It can even help your baby recover quickly if they do get the same illness that you have. In this way, you can actually be protecting your baby if you breastfeed while you’re sick.

What If Baby is Sick?

If your baby is sick, it’s also best to continue breastfeeding in most cases. Breastmilk is still the best thing to offer, even if the baby has a gastrointestinal issue and is having diarrhea and/or vomiting.

Breastmilk is very hydrating, and of course also provides the nutrients the baby needs, along with your helpful antibodies that might be able to help the baby fight off the infection. In cases of extreme dehydration, it’s best to see your doctor. They may recommend IV fluids for some time.

With other kinds of illnesses like colds and flu, continued breastfeeding is encouraged. You may need to breastfeed more often when your baby is sick. If they are weak and tired, they may only eat a small amount at a time. If they are getting dehydrated, they’ll need more of the great electrolytes and fluids in breastmilk. A lot of babies also need more comfort when they’re sick, and nursing can be very comforting. Whenever you can, follow your baby’s lead. But also make sure you’re offering to breastfeed often even if your baby is not asking for it.

The overall message here is that breastfeeding is a very good thing to do when you or your baby is sick. You don’t need to worry that you’ll pass on your illness in your breastmilk. In fact, remember that the opposite is true! You’re actually passing on your disease-fighting abilities in your breastmilk and providing recovery and healing.

Resources
https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health/breastfeeding-when-sick
https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/hcp/contraindications/index.html
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/1999/0401/p1754.html#:~:text=Not%20only%20does%20breast%20milk,easily%20digestible%20proteins%20and%20fats.
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/abdominal/Pages/Treating-Dehydration-with-Electrolyte-Solution.aspx