If you are a breastfeeding mom and you get sick, it can be tough to know what to do.
Do you continue to breastfeed your baby? Or do you stop and give them formula?
We will discuss the best ways to keep your baby fed and healthy while you are sick in this quick-read article.
We will also provide some tips for how to handle breastfeeding when you are not feeling well.
Breastfeeding While Sick?
No one likes being sick, and when you’re a breastfeeding mom, the last thing you want is for your baby to get sick too.
Does this mean you should stop breastfeeding temporarily?
Is your baby’s health at risk by consuming your breast milk?
Or can you continue to breastfeed while you’re ill?
The short answer is yes, you can continue to breastfeed while sick.
In fact, some doctors even recommend it!
Breast milk contains antibodies that can help protect your baby from getting sick in the first place.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you do decide to breastfeed while sick.
First of all, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before each feeding.
You may also want to consider pumping and storing your milk ahead of time so that someone else can feed it to your baby if necessary.
If you have a fever, it’s important to consult with your doctor before breastfeeding.
A small percentage of mothers with fevers can pass the virus that causes fever to their babies through breast milk. However, this is rare and usually only happens if the mother has a very high fever.
Overall, as long as you take a few precautions, there’s no reason why you can’t continue to breastfeed while sick.
Your baby will still benefit from your milk, and you’ll be able to bond even when you’re not feeling your best.
When Should you Stop Breastfeeding when Sick?
If you are sick with a cold or the flu, it is generally safe to continue breastfeeding.
However, there are a few exceptions.
If you have an active case of tuberculosis, you should not breastfeed.
Additionally, if you are taking certain medications that are not compatible with breastfeeding, you may need to stop temporarily.
Be sure to check with your doctor before continuing to breastfeed while sick.
If your symptoms are severe, it is best to err on the side of caution and discontinue breastfeeding until you have recovered.
Severe symptoms include a high fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit, uncontrolled vomiting, or diarrhea.
If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to speak to your doctor. At the end of the day, consulting your doctor is one of the best things you can do.
Can you Breastfeed with Covid-19?
If you are a mother with Covid-19, you may be wondering if it is safe to breastfeed your baby.
The good news is that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted through breast milk.
However, there are a few things to consider before you decide to breastfeed.
First of all, if you are sick, it is important to take care of yourself first and foremost.
This means getting rest, staying hydrated, and taking any medications prescribed by your doctor.
You should also avoid contact with your baby as much as possible. If you must be in close contact with your baby, make sure to wear a mask and wash your hands thoroughly before and after.
It is also important to consider your own mental and emotional health. Breastfeeding can be a very demanding process, both physically and emotionally.
If you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed, it may be best to pump milk and have someone else feed it to your baby.
If you decide to breastfeed, there are a few things you can do to minimize the risk of transmission.
First, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before each feeding.
You should also avoid sharing anything with your baby that could potentially be contaminated, such as towels, bedding, or clothing.
Finally, it is important to keep your baby’s face clean and dry, especially after feedings.
While there is no evidence that Covid-19 can be transmitted through breast milk, it is still important to take precautions.
If you are feeling ill or overwhelmed, it may be best to pump milk and have someone else feed it to your baby.
By taking a few simple precautions, you can help keep your baby safe and healthy!
Breast Milk Production When Sick: How is Milk Supply Affected?
If you are sick, your first priority is getting well. But if you are nursing, you might be wondering how your illness will affect your breast milk production.
Here’s what you need to know about breastfeeding mothers’ milk supply while momma bear is sick:
Your body is amazing and knows just what to do when you are sick.
When you have a fever, for example, your body naturally produces more white blood cells to fight the infection. This increased production of white blood cells can also increase the amount of antibodies in your breast milk.
These antibodies can help protect your baby from getting sick too. So even though you might not feel like it, nursing when you’re sick can actually help boost your baby’s immune system!
Of course, if you are feeling really ill, you might not have much of an appetite. This can lead to decreased milk production.
If this is the case, try to drink plenty of fluids and eat small, frequent meals.
Nursing your baby frequently can also help stimulate your milk production.
If you are feeling too ill to breastfeed, you can pump your milk and store it for later use.
It’s important to know that even if you are not able to nurse or pump as often as usual, your body will continue to produce breast milk.
So don’t worry – you and your baby will still be able to reap all the benefits of breastfeeding, even when you’re sick!
Can Viruses Pass-through Breastmilk?
There is no evidence that viruses can pass through breastmilk.
In fact, many experts believe that breastmilk actually provides protection against infection.
However, it is always best to err on the side of caution and avoid breastfeeding if you or your child are sick. If you have any questions or concerns, please consult your healthcare provider.
Final Thoughts
We understand that as a mother, first-timer or experienced, there is always a concern about your child catching a sickness.
We truly hope this article has given you peace of mind and allowed you to have all of your questions answered about breastfeeding while you’re sick.
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