What should you do if you get sick while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding your baby is an incredible opportunity for bonding and a great way to give your child not only the nutrition he or she needs, but antibodies that can help maintain health over a lifetime. But what should do if you get sick while breastfeeding? 

Breastfeeding is a great responsibility, and mothers who are breastfeeding have to be conscious of what they are eating, drinking, and breathing at all times.  Read more about what you should eat while breastfeeding or what not to eat while breastfeeding by browsing our website.

However, if you are not feeling well, you may be unsure how to proceed and whether or not it is safe to continue breastfeeding your baby.

In most cases, the best choice is to continue breastfeeding. This applies to the common illnesses affecting healthy adults such as a cold, flu, or stomach virus. It is safe and may even be beneficial to continue breastfeeding for several reasons:

• You have been carrying the virus for a while before you show symptoms, so the infant has most likely already been exposed to it
• Your body produces antibodies against the virus that you can pass to the baby through breast milk, building his or her immune system
• Abrupt weaning is best avoided and may make it difficult to return to breast feeding after the illness has passed

While it is safe to breastfeed when you are sick in most situations, the medications that you take to control or alleviate the symptoms of your illness may not be safe. Many over the counter medications are approved for mothers who are nursing but it is important to ask your doctor about specific recommendations because pharmaceutical companies can change active ingredients.

Some general guidelines regarding medications for your cold or flu while breastfeeding include:

• Take medicine only as needed
• Take the medication after breastfeeding
• Choose short term versions rather than the long-lasting formula because it will be out of your system more quickly and less likely to remain in breast milk
• Choose a medication that only addresses the symptoms you have rather than a multi-symptom one because it will contain fewer active ingredients
• Avoid extra-strength formulas
• Ask your doctor about available nasal sprays as these may be safer

If you have a more serious illness such as HIV, AIDS, or Hepatitis, breastfeeding may be dangerous to your infant’s health. Additionally, if your condition requires treatment through medications that can be passed through breast milk and may be dangerous for a baby, you should stop breastfeeding. Consult your medical professional for guidance.