Breastfeeding when ill

It is perfectly understandable to assume that you cannot continue to breast feed if you are ill; many people would assume that babies can become infected or contract illness from breastfeeding if their mother is ill; however, this is not the case and in most cases, it is perfectly safe to continue breastfeeding your baby.

Can I still breastfeed if I am ill?

In the vast majority of cases, the answer to this question is yes. By the time you show signs and symptoms of an illness, it will have already had an incubation period in your body, meaning that your baby has been exposed to the illness. The best thing you can do is to continue feeding your baby; your breast milk contains vital nutrients and antibodies, which will help your baby to build up their immune system and fend off harmful bacteria.

It is also beneficial to continue breastfeeding because this will encourage your body to continue producing the milk; the body works on a supply and demand basis, so if you go a few days without feeding your baby, your supplies of breast milk will start to diminish. Try to get plenty of rest and drink lots of water if you are ill or feeling run down.

If you are really ill, you should arrange to see your doctor and ask their advice as to whether you should continue to breastfeed your baby.

What should I do if I have to go into hospital?

If you have to go into hospital but you feel that you want to continue to breastfeed your baby, you can express milk for your baby; this can then be fed to your baby using a bottle. If you develop a long-term or a more serious acute illness, you should consider starting your baby on formula milk; ask those around you to help while you receive treatment and recover.

What if my baby starts to show symptoms of my illness?

If you notice changes in your baby’s mood and they start to exhibit physical symptoms of an illness or infection, such as a high temperature, a cough and a runny nose, arrange to see your GP. If your baby’s temperature gets very high or cannot be controlled using pain relief medication (for babies over 3 months), take them to see your GP as quickly as possible; if you cannot get an appointment, take them to accident and emergency.

Tips for coping when you are ill

If you are feeling ill, the last thing you may want to do is breastfeed; however, breastfeeding is really beneficial for your baby so you should try and continue. Try to get as much rest as possible between feeds and ask others around you, like your partner and relatives to help out while you have a rest. Try to drink plenty of fluid to prevent you from becoming dehydrated; if you are having trouble keeping water down for a long period of time, consult your GP.

If you are worried about taking medication while you are breastfeeding, ask your health visitor or GP for advice; most medications are safe and should have no effect on your baby but it is always best to make sure.

Breastfeeding:

Mother, Baby and Beyond

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