Breastfeeding When Mother Gets Sick

Can you still breastfeed when you are sick?

It usually is best to keep breastfeeding, even when you are sick. By the time you feel sick your baby has been exposed to the germs that are making you sick. Your body naturally makes certain antibodies to protect your baby from the sickness. By continuing to breastfeed, it helps your baby to avoid the sickness. If your baby gets sick it usually is not as bad as it would have been if you had stopped breastfeeding. To help decrease the risk of your baby getting sick, try to avoid face-to-face contact and wash your hands often.

Advantages:

• Able to get more rest by keeping your baby next to you while lying down. You can feed your baby while lying in bed.
• You do not have to make formula and prepare the bottles.
• It is a way of staying close to your baby while you are sick.
• Your milk is always available.

Disadvantages:

• If you stop breastfeeding suddenly you will become engorged and may suffer intense pain.
• Sudden weaning can cause emotional upset.
• Your baby may not be prepared to wean and may be hard to feed by bottle.
• It may be hard to comfort your baby because they get emotional comfort from nursing.
• If they are not used to formula they may have problems adjusting to it.
• Your baby will no longer receive the antibodies that protect them from illness.

Can I nurse when I have surgery?

• Yes. Special arrangements may need to be made for your baby. Sometimes your baby may be admitted to hospital or you can make plans for your baby to be brought to the hospital for their feedings.
• If you miss some feedings you could use a breast pump to relieve your engorgement.
• Remember to tell the anesthetist that you are breastfeeding so he can use the best medication for you and your baby.

What kind of sicknesses can I have and still nurse my baby?

It is O.K. to keep nursing if you have:

• Cold, Flu
• Any infections
• Food poisoning
• Measles, Rubella, Chickenpox
• Lyme disease
• Cholera, typhoid fever, parasites (like giardia, malaria), leprosy
• Hepatitis
• Cancer, if you are not receiving chemotherapy

Postpartum Depression:

It depends how bad the depression is and what type of medication is needed. Along with your doctor and family you need to decide what is best. Remember that weaning also effects you emotionally and hormonally.

Is it O.K. to take medications?

• Most medications are safe to take however, you should ask your doctor before taking any medications even if you do not need a prescription to get it.
• Usually there are only small amounts of the drug that is in your milk.
• It is important to tell your doctor that you are still breastfeeding and how important it is to you that you are able to continue. This allows the doctor to choose the best medication for you and your baby.

There are 3 questions that should be looked at:

1. Will the medication hurt my baby?
2. Will weaning hurt my baby or myself?
3. Is there any other choice?

Most vaccines for immunizations are safe for nursing mothers.

You may call to check on any medication you need to take:

There are a few medications that should not be taken while nursing.

• Illegal drugs like heroin, cocaine, and marijuana should not be used. These interfere with your ability to care for your baby and can interfere with your milk production.