“Is It Safe to Breastfeed While I’m Sick?”
In most cases, it’s safe to breastfeed if you are sick.
In fact, if you’re so sick that you shouldn’t breastfeed, your illness is probably rare and severe and you’ve most likely already discussed it with your doctor. As always, if you’re concerned that your health could negatively affect your baby, consult your pregnancy care physician.
What if the illness is contagious?
It’s important to note that you are most contagious before you even start to feel symptoms. Your baby has most likely been exposed to whatever bacteria or virus you’re fighting 12 to 24 hours before you notice any symptoms. Fortunately, nursing mothers also have antibodies that are passed to the baby through the breastmilk which help keep your baby from getting sick.
When should I stop breastfeeding?
Continued breastfeeding is safe throughout the duration of your illness. The only reason that you should stop is if you do not have the energy to breastfeed. Remember to keep yourself hydrated while fighting off the sickness. This is important for everyone, but especially for nursing mothers.
While it’s generally safe to breastfeed while sick, some illnesses warrant caution if breastfeeding. For example, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that mothers who have HIV should not breastfeed if they have the means to purchase formula and safely store it.
Other factors to keep in mind:
- You can maintain a good milk supply by staying hydrated. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is another way to keep your milk supply up. If you’re unable to increase your milk supply while sick, then it will probably return to normal once you’ve gotten over the illness.
- Wash your hands before you pick up your baby and breastfeed. If you have a fever that lasts for more than three days, see a doctor. You may need to take medication to get over your illness. If you have a bacterial infection, you will likely be prescribed an antibiotic. Make sure to ask your doctor if it’s okay for you to breastfeed while taking an antibiotic.
- Consult with your doctor before you take any over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication. You should not take anything that contains pseudoephedrine, which is a type of decongestant. Additionally,this study highlights the effects of medication on a mother’s breast milk.
- If it isn’t safe for you to breastfeed while taking a medication, give your baby formula.
- If you are hospitalized as the result of an illness, you may still be able to breastfeed. Some hospitals allow the mother to bring her baby with her. If you’re unable to bring your baby with you, you should pump if possible to keep your supply going.
Keep in mind that there are benefits for you as the mother from breastfeeding while sick. It will be easier for you to rest comfortably if you continue to nurse as you recover.
As a leading provider of compassionate, highly qualified Lake City and Gainesville, FL OB/GYN care, specialists at All About Women Obstetrics and Gynecology offer women and families the best obstetrics and gynecology information and care – whether that be in-person or through outlets such as this website. Helping all women better understand their general health and pregnancy needs is a critical mission of the practice.
Drs. Anthony Agrios, M.D, Joseph lobst, M.D. and their highly capable nurse midwives, nurses and support staff offer Gainesville, Lake City and surrounding areas in Florida the most complete, personal care for women during pregnancy and all stages of life. Everyone from the front-desk assistant to Drs. Agrios and lobst take special care to carefully listen to all of your questions and concerns and make you feel welcome.
In addition to comprehensive pregnancy care, All About Women also offers everything from simple birth control treatment to complex hysterectomy surgery using the most technologically advanced treatment options available, including the innovative DaVinci Robotic surgical system. With offices adjoining a world-class hospital, gynecology specialists at All About Women are capable of offering world class care in a hometown setting.