Should You Pause Breastfeeding When Sick?
When you’re sick, breastfeeding might be the last thing you feel like doing. But the truth is, continuing to breastfeed can actually help your baby by passing along antibodies that boost their immune system. You might be worried about spreading germs or if it's too much for you, but in most cases, it’s totally safe. The guide is about what you need to know about breastfeeding while sick and when it might make sense to take a break.
The Immune Benefits of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding provides a wealth of immune benefits, especially when a mother is sick. Beyond nourishment, breast milk contains critical elements like antibodies, white blood cells, and other immune factors that help protect a baby from infections. For infants with developing immune systems, these antibodies offer essential protection from a variety of illnesses.
When a mother becomes ill, her body produces specific antibodies targeting the virus or bacteria causing the illness. These antibodies are transferred to the baby through breast milk, helping to boost the baby’s immune system and reduce the severity of illness if the baby is exposed. For example, if a mother has a cold or the flu, breastfeeding can help prevent or lessen the severity of symptoms in her baby, speeding up recovery time.
Can Illness Be Transmitted Through Breast Milk?
The good news is that most common illnesses, including colds, flu, and respiratory infections, do not pass through breast milk. Which means that, in most cases, mothers can safely continue breastfeeding without fear of transmitting the illness to their babies. However, while the milk itself is safe, illness can still be spread through respiratory droplets. If you’re coughing or sneezing, the virus or bacteria could potentially be transmitted via close contact.
What Happens if You Are Too Sick to Breastfeed?
Sometimes, when a mother is feeling very unwell, breastfeeding can feel like too much of a physical strain. If you’re feeling extremely tired, congested, or have sore nipples, you may worry about your ability to continue breastfeeding. In this case, expressing milk can help maintain your milk supply and ensure your baby still receives the benefits of breast milk.
If you're too sick to breastfeed directly, expressing milk using a breast pump (or a hands free breast pump) is a great alternative. Pumped milk can be given to your baby by a caregiver, which means your baby can continue receiving the essential nutrients and antibodies from your milk, even if you’re too tired to nurse. It's important to continue expressing milk during this time to keep your supply steady, as skipping regular feedings can lead to a reduction in milk production.
Impact of Illness on Milk Supply
Being sick doesn’t usually cause a long-term decrease in milk supply. However, during illness, when mothers may not be breastfeeding as frequently, there could be a temporary dip in supply. If you’re not able to nurse as often, your body may produce less milk. The key to maintaining your supply is to express milk regularly, either by pumping or manual expression.
Once you’ve recovered from your illness, your milk supply generally returns to normal. If you continue to face supply issues, consulting a lactation consultant can help you with personalized strategies to boost milk production and get back on track.
Hygiene Practices While Breastfeeding When Sick
While continuing to breastfeed is generally safe, hygiene is key to prevent spreading the illness to your baby. Here are some important hygiene practices to follow when breastfeeding while sick:
* Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after touching your baby, handling the breast pump, or preparing breast milk. If you’re coughing or sneezing, wash your hands immediately after, as these actions can spread germs.
* If you’re feeling under the weather, consider wearing a mask while breastfeeding or handling your baby. This is especially important if you have symptoms of a respiratory illness, as it reduces the likelihood of spreading germs through airborne droplets.
* Clean any surfaces that you’ve touched, including nursing pillows, the area around the breast pump, and other frequently handled objects. This helps prevent the spread of germs in your home.
* If you’re using a breast pump, go with a hospital grade breast pump and be sure to sanitise the pump parts after each use to prevent contamination. Clean pump parts thoroughly with hot, soapy water, or use a sterilising solution to ensure they are free from germs.
* If you’re expressing milk, make sure the bottles, storage containers, and feeding utensils are washed thoroughly before use. Don’t share them with others in the household, as germs can easily spread through shared items.
When Should You Pause Breastfeeding?
There are very few instances in which breastfeeding should be paused due to illness. However, in rare situations where a mother has an infection that can be transmitted through breast milk (such as HIV or brucellosis), breastfeeding may need to be paused. In these cases, you should consult your healthcare provider for specific guidance on how to safely continue feeding your baby.
If you are undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, it may be advised to temporarily stop breastfeeding due to the potential risks of passing harmful substances through breast milk. Again, this decision should be made with input from your doctor or a healthcare professional who is familiar with your condition.
Other Considerations for Sick Mothers
When you are sick, self-care is just as important as taking care of your baby. To ensure you can continue breastfeeding and take care of your little one, keep the following in mind:
* Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Breastfeeding and expressing milk require additional fluid intake, and dehydration can further complicate illness. Drink water, herbal teas, and broths to help your body recover.
* Eat healthy, nourishing foods to support your immune system. Foods high in vitamin C, zinc, and other vitamins can help speed up recovery.
* Get as much rest as possible. Being sick can be exhausting, and you’ll need extra sleep and relaxation to recover fully. If possible, ask a partner or family member to help with baby care so you can focus on your health.
* If you're worried about your milk supply or managing breastfeeding while sick, consider reaching out to a lactation consultant who can provide personalized advice and support during this time.
Conclusion
Being sick doesn’t always mean you have to stop breastfeeding. As long as you practice good hygiene, your breast milk will still help protect your baby. If you’re too exhausted to nurse, pumping is a good way to keep your supply going. Just listen to your body, get some rest, and reach out to your doctor if you need advice. Your health is important, too!
FAQs: Breastfeeding When Sick
Can I take medication while breastfeeding?
Yes, many medications are safe while breastfeeding. However, avoid decongestants containing pseudoephedrine as they may reduce milk supply. Always consult a healthcare provider before taking any medication to ensure it’s safe for breastfeeding.
What should I do if I can’t breastfeed because I’m too sick?
If you’re too sick to breastfeed, express milk and have a healthy caregiver feed your baby with it. This helps maintain your milk supply and ensures your baby still receives the benefits of breast milk.
Can breast milk help my baby if they get sick?
Yes, breastfeeding continues to provide your baby with antibodies that boost their immune system, helping them fight off infections and reducing the severity of illness.
Should I breastfeed if my baby is sick?
Yes, continue breastfeeding even if your baby is sick. It will help strengthen their immune system and provide them with the antibodies they need to recover.
How can I prevent my baby from getting sick while breastfeeding?
To minimize the risk, wear a mask when breastfeeding, wash your hands frequently, and clean surfaces regularly. If possible, ask a healthy caregiver to help with other baby duties while you rest.
Can being sick affect my breast milk supply?
While being sick can temporarily reduce your supply if you’re not breastfeeding as frequently, it’s usually not permanent. Continue to breastfeed or pump regularly to keep your milk production up.
How can I manage breastfeeding while feeling exhausted?
Stay hydrated, eat nutritious foods, and rest as much as possible. If you're feeling too fatigued, try to get help from a partner or family member to manage baby care.
Is it safe to breastfeed while having a cold or flu?
Yes, it's safe to continue breastfeeding with a cold or flu. Breast milk won’t transmit the illness to your baby, and it provides your baby with immune-boosting antibodies.
Can I continue breastfeeding if I have a fever?
Yes, you can continue breastfeeding. A fever won’t pass through breast milk, and breastfeeding can actually help transfer antibodies that may reduce the severity of your baby’s illness.
Should I avoid breastfeeding if I’m on certain antibiotics?
Some antibiotics are safe while breastfeeding, but it’s essential to consult with your doctor or a lactation consultant before taking any medication to ensure it’s safe for both you and your baby.
Can I use a breast pump when I’m sick?
Yes, if you’re too unwell to breastfeed directly, using a breast pump is a good alternative. It will help maintain your milk supply and allow a caregiver to feed your baby with your expressed milk.