“Will my baby get sick if I’m sick?” This question can evoke a wave of anxiety for any parent. When illness strikes, many mothers worry about whether breastfeeding is still a safe and beneficial option for their little ones. The reassuring answer is: Yes! Breastfeeding while sick is not only safe but can also be highly beneficial for your baby.
Breastfeeding When Sick Can Actually Help Your Baby
Breast milk is the best nutrition for your baby, even when you’re feeling under the weather. It is packed with essential nutrients that support your baby’s health and growth. One of the amazing benefits of breastfeeding is that your body produces antibodies in response to illnesses. These antibodies are passed to your baby through your milk, providing them with protection against infections. In fact, recent studies show that mother’s milk adapts to increase its disease-fighting properties when either the mother or the baby is unwell.
Tips For Breastfeeding While You’re Sick
When you’re feeling ill, your body may prioritize healing over milk production, which could result in a temporary decrease in your milk supply. However, continuing to breastfeed can help maintain your established supply. If breastfeeding feels too challenging, consider pumping your milk for your baby.
It’s common for your baby to want to nurse more frequently while you’re sick, as they may sense a change in routine. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
- Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after breastfeeding to minimize the risk of passing germs.
- Wear a Mask: If you have a respiratory illness, wearing a mask while nursing can help reduce the risk of transmitting germs to your baby.
- Avoid Close Contact: Refrain from kissing your baby or sneezing and coughing near them.
- Manage Fever: If you’re experiencing a fever, taking medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen can help reduce it.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to ensure you remain hydrated while breastfeeding.
- Prioritize Rest: Allow yourself time to rest and recuperate.
- Consider Pumping: If you’re too ill to breastfeed directly, you can pump your milk and have a healthy caregiver feed it to your baby.
Benefits of Breastfeeding for You and Your Baby
Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for both you and your baby. For babies, breastfeeding can help to:
- Reduce the risk of ear infections, diarrhea, and pneumonia.
- Protect against allergies and asthma.
- Promote healthy brain development.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
For mothers, breastfeeding can help to:
- Lower the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
- Assist in postpartum weight loss.
- Decrease the likelihood of postpartum depression.
- Strengthen the emotional bond between mother and baby.
Conclusion
Our heartfelt advice? Keep nursing! You’re doing an incredible job providing unmatched protection to your baby, even when you’re not feeling your best. Stay confident in your ability to nourish and care for your little one. Remember to maintain open communication with your healthcare providers, as they can offer guidance and support tailored to your situation. Together, you and your healthcare team can navigate this journey, ensuring your child’s health and well-being are prioritized.
Check out our other resources for breastfeeding tips and resources:
Is My Baby Eating or Using Me as a Pacifier?
Follow Your Baby’s Hunger Cues
Decoding the Let-Down Reflex: Understanding Its Speed and Impact on Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding Services at The Youth Clinic