Is it okay to breastfeed when you are sick? Could anything happen to affect your milk supply?

Answer 1

As long as you aren't taking any medication that harms the baby it actually helps boost the babies immune system. I don't think it should affect your milk supply at all.

Answer 2

It's actually great to breastfeed when your sick. It helps build your baby's immune system up. Just make sure that you don't take any medications that will affect your baby! Call the Dr. or a pharmacist. They will be able to walk you through which meds. you can and can't take. And make sure you are drinking a lot more fluids. It's already draining to breastfeed and then compounded with being sick.... Hope you feel better soon!

Answer 3

In general, it's ok to breastfeed when you are sick. There are a few exceptions, such as when you have a serious, communicable disease such as HIV that could be transmitted through the breastmilk, or when you are required to use medications that are not safe for breastfeeding.

But if you just have an ordinary cold or flu and are not taking medication, yes, it is safe to breastfeed, and your illness won't cause your milk to be bad or dangerous to your baby. In fact, it will probably help his or her immunity and make it less likely that you'll pass your illness on to your baby. If you do feel you need to take some kind of medication, please call your doctor and ask what medications are safe to take when breastfeeding - many are not but there are a few that are ok.

Answer 4

I'll echo what one person said. As long as your aren't taking any medications that could harm the baby you are fine and actually may be doing them a lot of good.

I heard that a lactating woman who is sick builds up the antibodies for the illness and passes them to the baby ... which strengthens the baby against the illness. BUT I don't have a reliable source for you so double check or ask a local specialist in your area.

But still, if you aren't taking any harmful medications there is absolutely no cause for concern!

Answer 5

It is absolutely okay to breastfeed when you are sick! Babies cannot get sick from your breastmilk. They can get your germs from hands or if you sneeze on them or something, but not through your breastmilk. It's actually the best thing for them, especially if there are sick people around them. Your immunities will help the baby fight sickness. Feel better soon!

Answer 6

You certainly can continue to breast feed while you are sick. Your milk supply should be fine, just be sure to contiue to drink plenty of water to keep it up! Breast feeding while you have a cold or flu is ok, and it gives the baby the antibodies he/she needs to fight off the same illnesses.

Hope you feel better soon :)

Answer 7

It is actually BEST to breastfeed when sick. It passes immunities of that illness to the child. (kind of like getting an immunization) Just be careful with medications you are on. Also, be careful if you are coughing or sneezing a lot.

Answer 8

As long as you are producing milk it is OK. The baby may get some good antibodies that will help her fight your bug too from you. If you can keep enough fluids in to produce, go ahead and nurse.

Answer 9

I thought the same thing when I was breastfeeding. It does not affect your milk supply at all.

Answer 10

Breastfeeding when you are sick is a GOOD idea. It passes immunities to whatever you have to your child.

If you get dehydrated, that can harm your supply. Make sure that you drink plenty of fluids while sick.

Some medications (decongestents) can harm your supply, so only take them if they are really needed.