Do I need to stop breastfeeding when I am sick?
Breastfeeding is a vital source of nutrition and immune protection for babies. Even if a mother is sick, breastfeeding is still important as it can help protect the baby from illness and provide them with the nutrients they need to grow and develop. Here are some reasons why it's important to continue breastfeeding, even if you are sick:
Transfer of antibodies: When a mother is sick, her body produces antibodies that help fight off the illness. These antibodies can be passed on to her baby through breast milk, providing the baby with extra protection against the illness.
Continuation of nutrition: Breast milk provides babies with all the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development, even when a mother is sick. If a mother stops breastfeeding, her baby may not get the same level of nutrition and may be more vulnerable to illness and infection.
Comfort and bonding: Breastfeeding is not just about nutrition; it also provides babies with comfort and a sense of security. If a mother stops breastfeeding, her baby may miss the physical closeness and bonding that breastfeeding provides.
Prevention of engorgement and mastitis: Stopping breastfeeding abruptly can cause engorgement and increase the risk of developing mastitis, a painful breast infection.
Maintain milk supply: Continuing to breastfeed, even when sick, can help maintain a mother's milk supply. Stopping breastfeeding can cause a decrease in milk production, which may make it more difficult to resume breastfeeding in the future.
Below are common illnesses during which it is safe for mom and baby to continue breastfeeding:
Colds and flu: Breastfeeding can help transfer antibodies to the baby, which may help protect them from illness.
Stomach viruses: Breastfeeding can help prevent dehydration in both the mother and baby.
Sore throat and cough: Most sore throats and coughs are caused by viruses and can be safely managed while breastfeeding.
Mastitis: Mastitis, a painful breast infection, can often be treated with antibiotics while continuing to breastfeed.
Allergies: Breastfeeding is usually safe for mothers with allergies and may help transfer protective antibodies to the baby.
Here is a list of illnesses that would require a mom to stop breastfeeding temporarily or all together. Typically these are highly contagious illnesses.
HIV: Mothers who are HIV-positive should not breastfeed, as there is a risk of transmitting the virus to the baby through breast milk.
Active tuberculosis: Breastfeeding should be postponed until the mother has been treated for active tuberculosis and is no longer contagious.
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) lesions on the breast: If a mother has active HSV lesions on her breast or nipple, breastfeeding should be stopped on that breast until the lesions have healed.
If you have any concerns about whether you should continue breastfeeding while you are ill, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider. They can provide individualized recommendations based on your specific situation and medical history.
I am a registered nurse in the State of Florida and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). The content on this blog page is for informational and educational use only. I have taken reasonable steps to ensure that the information shared is accurate, but I cannot guarantee that it is free from errors. The information shared here does not take the place of a medical provider, nor establishes any kind of client relationship with myself as a registered nurse or a lactation consultant. I am not your IBCLC or RN unless you book a consult with me directly and we establish a patient/caregiver relationship.