I’m Sick! Should I Continue to Breastfeed?

Many moms will ask me if they should continue to breastfeed when they have a cold or the flu. The answer is: ABSOLUTELY! Whether it be a mild virus, a bacterial infection, the flu, mastistis, you name it, the best thing you can do for your baby is to continue to breastfeed.

By the time your symptoms begin to appear, you have already been contagious for several days, therefore your baby has already been exposed to your illness. Since you started to come down with your illness, your body has been creating antibodies to fight off this illness. These antibodies, which are specific to your illness, have been transmitted to your baby through your breast milk and will continue to protect your baby throughout the entire time your body is fighting your illness. If your baby does happen to catch what you have, most likely it will not be nearly as severe as what you are dealing with. How amazing is that?

So if you find yourself feeling under the weather, wash your hands often, stay hydrated, breastfeed often, and stay away from medications (such as antihistamines) that may increase your risk for lowering your milk supply.

For more information about medications that are safe to take while breastfeeding, check out LactMed or call your local Lactation Consultant.