Can I breastfeed if I have a cold or the flu?
Is it okay to breastfeed if I have a cold or flu-like symptoms?
Question:Maternal illness is rarely a contraindication for breastfeeding. Colds, flu, and throat and ear infections are examples of common illnesses that do not require the interruption of breastfeeding. Mothers can treat these illnesses with medications prescribed by their physicians, bed rest and comfort measures.
Following normal hygienic procedures, including frequent hand-washing and avoiding sneezing and coughing on the baby, can reduce baby's exposure to germs. There is no evidence that babies contract these illnesses from the passage of bacteria or viruses through their mothers' milk. Instead, babies receive specific antibodies to protect against their mothers' illnesses via the milk, which greatly reduces the likelihood of illness.
Always alert your prescribing physician that you are a breastfeeding mother.
Flulike symptoms often accompany mastitis. Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast, frequently caused by inadequate breast drainage. Mothers who have muscle aches while breastfeeding should examine their breasts for areas of tenderness. The skin over the tender areas may be pink or red and may feel warm to the touch. If these signs are present, mastitis, rather than the flu, is the cause of the muscle aches.
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