Breastfeeding while sick may make Moms worry about passing the disease on to their little one.
Symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, or feeling unwell may often make mothers hesitate to continue breastfeeding.
Moreover, if Moms have to take certain medications, the question arises, is breastfeeding still safe?
So, how do you breastfeed while sick so that it remains safe for both mom and baby?
What are the things to watch out for, including the use of medication? Let’s read more in this article!
Can Mothers Breastfeed While Sick?
Yes, Moms can still breastfeed even if you are sick, especially if you only have the flu, cough, runny nose, or mild fever.
Quoting from the UNICEF page , breast milk actually helps provide natural protection for babies because it contains antibodies that can fight infections.
In addition, continuing to breastfeed while sick also ensures that breast milk production does not decrease.
To be safer, Moms just need to practice personal hygiene, such as washing hands before breastfeeding and wearing a mask if coughing or sneezing.
That way, the baby still gets the best nutrition without the risk of contracting disease.
How to Breastfeed When Sick to Keep Baby Safe
To ensure that the breastfeeding process while sick remains comfortable and the baby remains safe, there are several steps that Moms can take.
1. Maintain personal hygiene
When sick, viruses or bacteria can spread through hands, saliva droplets, or frequently touched objects.
To reduce the risk of transmission, Moms need to diligently wash their hands before breastfeeding, especially after sneezing or coughing.
Also, wear a mask if you have a cold or cough so that droplets do not reach your baby. Good personal hygiene helps prevent the spread of disease to your little one.
2. Stay Hydrated and Eat Nutritious Foods
When sick, the body needs more fluids to help recovery and keep breast milk production flowing smoothly.
Make sure you drink enough water, natural juice, or warm soup to stay hydrated.
In addition, consume nutritious foods such as vegetables, fruit, and protein to keep the body strong against infection.
Avoid foods that are too oily or contain a lot of sugar, as they can slow down the healing process.
3. Get Enough Rest
Breastfeeding while sick can make the body tired quickly. Therefore, Moms need to manage rest time as best as possible.
Try to sleep when the baby sleeps so the body can recover faster.
If you feel very tired, you can consider pumping breast milk so that your baby continues to get nutrition without you having to continue breastfeeding directly.
4. Consult about Medication Use
Not all drugs are safe for breastfeeding mothers , because some types of drugs can enter breast milk and have an impact on the baby.
Before taking medication, you should first consult a doctor to ensure its safety.
If possible, choose medication that is specifically recommended for breastfeeding mothers so as not to interfere with the baby’s health and breast milk production.
5. Use Comfortable Breastfeeding Techniques
When you’re sick, your body may feel weak or sore, so breastfeeding positions that are usually comfortable can feel more tiring.
To reduce tension, Moms can try the breastfeeding position while lying on their side.
With this position, the body can be more relaxed without having to support the baby for too long.
Use extra pillows to support your body and baby for greater comfort.
Is It Safe to Take Medication While Breastfeeding?
Moms may wonder, is it safe to take medication while breastfeeding?
Some medications such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, and certain antibiotics are generally safe for breastfeeding mothers, but should still be consulted with a doctor.
Avoid ibuprofen if you have asthma, as well as aspirin in high doses because it carries the risk of causing Reye’s syndrome in babies.
Strong painkillers such as codeine and tramadol are not recommended, as are cold and cough medicines containing decongestants, as they can reduce milk production.
When in doubt, always check the medication label and consult a doctor, especially if your baby was born premature or has certain medical conditions.
Signs to Stop Breastfeeding When Sick
Although most illnesses do not prevent Moms from breastfeeding, there are some conditions that require Moms to stop temporarily or completely.
Here are the signs to watch out for:
1. Having a Serious Infectious Disease
If you are diagnosed with an infectious disease such as HIV, untreated active TB, or herpes infection in the breast area, you should stop breastfeeding and consult a doctor for appropriate action.
2. Taking Medicines That Are Not Safe for Babies
Some medications, such as chemotherapy, certain anti-seizure medications, or strong pain relievers such as codeine and tramadol, can pass into breast milk and pose a risk to the baby.
If you must take this medication, ask your doctor if there are safer alternatives or consider pumping and discarding your breast milk temporarily.
3. Experiencing Severe Dehydration or Weak Physical Condition
If you are experiencing severe dehydration due to vomiting, severe diarrhea, or an illness that makes your body so weak that you cannot breastfeed, it is a good idea to rest and recover first.
You may also want to consider pumping breast milk if possible.
4. Baby Shows Unusual Reactions
If after breastfeeding your baby experiences reactions such as repeated vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, or appears uncomfortable, it could be that there is a content in the breast milk that is not suitable due to the treatment that you are undergoing.
Breastfeeding while sick can be a challenge, but with the right steps, Moms can still provide breast milk safely for their little ones.
However, if your condition is quite severe or you are taking certain medications, you should consult a doctor to ensure safety.
