Q&A
Can I Breastfeed If I Have A Cold Or the Flu?
Question:
Is it okay to breastfeed if I have a cold or flu-like symptoms?
Common illnesses such as colds, flu, sore throat, fever, tummy bug and ear infections do not require the interruption of breastfeeding. In fact, the best thing you can do for your baby is to continue to breastfeed.
When you have a contagious illness such as a cold, flu or other mild virus, your baby was already exposed to the illness before you even knew you were sick. By the time you're experiencing the cold and flu-like symptoms, your body has started producing antibodies to fight the illness, so continuing to breastfeed will actually benefit your baby by helping him fend off the illness. Even if he does get sick, your baby will likely have a milder case because of the specific infection-fighting antibodies he's received from your milk.
One thing to keep in mind when you see your doctor for treatment: Alert him that you're a breastfeeding mother, so if medications are needed he'll prescribe something that can be used safely during breastfeeding.
In the meantime, take the usual hygiene measures to reduce your baby's exposure to germs: Wash your hands frequently, avoid sneezing and coughing on the baby and limit face-to-face contact.
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