Is it okay to breastfeed a baby when you are sick? (Query)

If you are confused about breastfeeding your baby when you have cold and cough, read this.

By: Tania Tarafdar | | Updated: June 2, 2016 11:00 am

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? Also Read - Steam therapy: It can offer you more health benefits than you think

Also Read - Things that could affect the taste, smell and quantity of breast milk

Query answered by lactation expert and gynaecologist, Dr. Rakhi Gupta. Also Read - Another study confirms that COVID-19 doesn’t spread through breast milk

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.

Image source: Getty Images

Published : June 1, 2016 5:39 pm | Updated:June 2, 2016 11:00 am

Read Disclaimer

7 expert tips on how you can help your depressed child

Why isn't my baby gaining weight, should I worry?

About The health Site

TheHealthSite.com is India's largest health site with more than 40 lakh unique visitors per month. We focus on fitness, beauty, health, pregnancy and more.

Most popular health and wellness website in India in 2012 at the Website of the year awards.

health@corp.india.com

+91 – 22 – 6697 1234

91 – 22 – 2490 0302.

ZEE ENTERTAINMENT ENTERPRISES LTD, 18th floor, A-Wing, Marathon Futurex, N. M. Joshi Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013.

We respect your privacy

7 expert tips on how you can help your depressed child

Why isn't my baby gaining weight, should I worry?

Cold weather or winter headaches - What causes them?

Foods to avoid if you are suffering from sinusitis

Steam therapy: It can offer you more health benefits than you think

Things that could affect the taste, smell and quantity of breast milk

Cold feet: Causes and home remedies

About The health Site

Useful Links