Can you breastfeed when you’re sick?

The cooler weather is settling in that means cold and flu season is also just about here. So we wanted to tackle some common questions and concerns that moms have when it comes to breastfeeding during this time of year.

If I'm sick do I continue breastfeeding? 

Being a new mom is hard enough. When you’re not feeling well it makes it so much more challenging. You want to fully be present and continue doing your super-mom routine, but it’s difficult. If you’re sick, first up reach out to your doctor and get their advice on what you should do for your health. You want to know what kind of illness you’re dealing with to best protect you and your family (and to get better as quickly as possible).

When it comes to breastfeeding your little one, the CDC suggests that you can and should continue breastfeeding if you have an illness like the flu, COVID-19, diarrhea, or a breast infection like mastitis.

When you speak with your provider please let them know you’re breastfeeding. The CDC notes that most medicines are safe to take while breastfeeding, but some may not be (and some medications could impact your milk supply). It is key to talk with your doctor about this during your conversation. 

Your body will keep producing milk when you’re sick. You should make sure you’re getting plenty of rest (easier said than done) and stay hydrated. Drink lots of fluids! If you have to stop breastfeeding, speak with your lactation consultant about how you can keep your milk supply up.

Make sure you're washing your hands often to minimize the spread of germs.

If a mother is too sick to breastfeed, the CDC suggests that she continue to pump if she is able to.

The CDC points out that the flu is not transmitted through breastmilk. Rather, they note, the flu is spread through droplets from when you cough or sneeze. "These droplets can also possibly spread when a person touches a surface or object that has the flu virus and then touches their own mouth or nose. Flu is not transmitted through breast milk." 

If my baby is sick do I continue breastfeeding?

Seeing our little ones sick is so heartbreaking. But it should comfort you to know, breastfeeding can provide comfort and help keep your baby hydrated. It also boosts your baby’s immune system. Through breastfeeding, your antibodies are given to your baby, which then helps them fight infections. 

What’s also incredible is that your breast milk changes when your baby is sick. Your body will make antibodies to combat it and the amount of leukocytes, those good immunity-boosting cells, will increase to help them fight off the illness. 

What may get difficult is how your baby eats while they’re sick. They may want to feed more often, but for a shorter time. This could be because it’s comforting or because their little nose is plugged. If that’s the case, try out some different positions to help them out.

If your little one is sick with the flu, the CDC suggests that they continue to breastfeed. They note: "When an infant has flu, the mother should be encouraged to continue breastfeeding or feeding expressed breast milk to her infant. Infants who are ill need fluids to stay hydrated, and breast milk is the best option. Expressed breast milk can also be given from a cup, syringe, or bottle if the infant cannot breastfeed directly at the breast."

It might get frustrating, but stay confident that you’re doing the right thing for your baby, just like you do, every single day.