Every new mom can tell you that getting sick and having to take care of a baby are two things that should never go together! There is nothing worse than trying to care for yourself and your baby at the same time. This predicament can be made even worse when you are breastfeeding. There can be fear of passing the illness on to the baby and making sure you are taking care of yourself is crucial. Here are some steps and ideas to utilize when sick and breastfeeding. Make sure to talk with your doctor about any supplements before trying them out.
Common Cold, Flu and COVID-19:
continue to nurse your baby; she was already exposed to your illness, and your milk contains immunities and antibodies that help her fight it
take measures to avoid spreading germs to your baby, including frequent handwashing, sneezing or coughing into elbow, and changing baby clothes, blankets and burp cloths frequently
take immune-boosting supplements, such as Vitamin C, and D, zinc, elderberry, garlic, and echinacea. These will be passed to your baby through your milk and boost her immune system as well
Vomiting and Bacterial Infections:
continue to nurse your baby, as stated above
ensure adequate hydration, especially if vomiting and diarrhea are both present
don’t be alarmed if you see a dip in your supply; continue nursing and it will go back to normal as you recover
if antibiotics are necessary, discuss with your provider whether they are compatible with breastfeeding; in most cases, they are and if not, you may request to have one prescribed that is compatible
GBS infection can be treated while nursing; if your baby becomes colonized, she can also receive treatment while continuing to nurse
MRSA infection does not exclude breastfeeding; just ensure that the baby does not have physical contact with any open sores
Viral Infections:
if you acquire a Hepatitis A or B, continue to nurse your baby; immunization is an available option
antiviral medication may be toxic to baby; discuss your options for a compatible antiviral with your provider
non-symptomatic Hepatitis C is does not exclude nursing; if there are cracked or bleeding nipples present, discuss with your provider the risk of transmission through blood
continue to nurse if you develop chicken pox; if it occurs in the first few days after delivery, immunization for baby is recommended
Herpes does indicate cessation of nursing, but ensure that your baby has no physical contact with open sores; if pumping, milk or pump parts that come in contact with open sores should be discarded
Discuss with your provider if you have concerns or questions
Bottom line: the vast majority of viral infections do not require cessation of nursing
Comfort Measures and Managing Illness:
if you are too sick to leave bed, baby may be taken into bed with you, or a bassinet set up next to you for ease of access
if possible, someone should be available to take over all baby care except feeding, i.e., diapering, burping, bathing etc.
if you feel that you simply cannot nurse, try to express your milk so baby still has access to it and can receive the antibodies that keep her healthy
most OTC pain killers, fever reducers and immune boosting supplements are compatible with nursing; if your provider is prescribing a medication, ask that it be compatible with nursing
References:
Mohrbacher, N. (2020). Breastfeeding Answers: A Guide for Helping Families (2nd ed.). Nancy Mohrbacher Solutions, Inc. PP. 811-829.
Newman, J. & Pitman, T. (2014). Dr. Jack Newman’s guide to breastfeeding (3rd ed.). Harper Collins Publishers. Ch. 15.
Wiessinger, D., West, D., & Pitman, T. (2010). The womanly art of breastfeeding (8th ed.). Ballantine Books, New York. PP. 382-383.
