I am a 34-year-old woman and have an eight months old baby. I often suffer from cold and my mother advised me not to breastfeed my baby while I am sick. Should I not breastfeed my baby during that time? Is it unsafe?
Query answered by lactation expert and gynaecologist,Dr. Rakhi Gupta.
It is natural to worry about your baby getting sick if you are coughing and sneezing 24*7. But does that mean you should stop breastfeeding? The answer is no under most circumstances. When you suffer from cold or flu or even fever, it is entirely okay to breastfeed. Your body produces the immune response, and so you automatically pass on the illness-fighting antibodies to your baby. In fact, not breastfeeding during that time can make your child prone to illness, so keep nursing. Also, by the time you notice symptoms, your child has already been exposed to the bacteria or virus.
However, try not to cough or sneeze near your baby and avoid face to face contact and keep his hands away from yours. Also, wash your hands thoroughly before breastfeeding so not to spread any infection. But if it turns out that the doctor has given you an antibiotic to deal with cold, check with your doctor if is safe for breastfeeding. Also, consult your doctor before taking an over the counter medication. Also, remember to drink a lot of liquids while you are sick. The more hydrated you are, the stronger you will be, and the better will be your breast milk supply. Here are things you should not do while breastfeeding.
So whether you have nursed your baby or not or just getting ready to do so, remember that you can breastfeed your baby when you are sick. Also, keep in mind these five diet do's and donts during breastfeeding.
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