Breastfeeding While Sick: What to Expect and How to Manage Your Milk Supply
If the latest cold of flu made its way to your home- we’ve got tips for you to feel better while still supporting your milk supply. Here’s our practical tips to keep breastfeeding while you recover.
Breastfeeding is already a full time job on its own, but when you're feeling under the weather- oof, it is tough! Outside of feeling completely blah- you may be wondering:
"Is it safe to breastfeed when I’m sick?"
"Will my milk supply drop?"
"Do I need to change my routine?"
Let’s walk through everything you need to know to manage your milk supply and continue breastfeeding while you recover from illness.
Can I Continue to Breastfeed While Sick?
SHORT ANSWER: YES
It's nearly inevitable that at some point during your breastfeeding journey, you’ll catch a cold, the flu, or even food poisoning. While being sick can leave you feeling drained and concerned about how it affects your baby, it is extremely rare that an illness will require you to stop breastfeeding Most illnesses, including mild colds, sore throats, and even the flu, won’t be passed to your baby through breast milk.
In fact, continuing to breastfeed while you’re sick is not only safe but also beneficial for your baby. Breast milk is packed with incredible antibodies and immune-boosting nutrients that can help protect your little one from illness. By continuing to nurse, you’re giving your baby the best defense against infection, even if you're feeling under the weather.
REMEMBER:
You cannot pass most illnesses to your baby through breast milk.
Breastfeeding while sick actually boosts your baby’s immune system by providing them with antibodies to fight off the same illness you have {how cool is that?!}
Stopping breastfeeding or withholding breast milk could increase your baby's risk of getting sick since they miss out on the immune protection you provide.
How Do I Continue Breastfeeding While I’m Sick?
Here are a few tips to make breastfeeding while sick more manageable:
1. Rest as Much as Possible: Cuddle up with your baby in bed- this could be a great time to try the side-lying breastfeeding position to allow you to nurse while resting.
2. Use Expressed Milk: If you're feeling too ill to nurse or need extra rest, you can use pumped milk to feed your baby. Have a family member or partner give the baby a bottle while you recover. If possible, use the frozen milk you have and know once you are feeling well, you can replenish this stash.
3. Pump If Necessary: If you’re unable to breastfeed regularly, try pumping to keep your supply up. Regular pumping or nursing helps to prevent a decrease in milk production, as frequent breast emptying signals your body to produce more milk. Keep a hand pump by your bedside and do as much as you can to remove some of the milk.
Even if you're not able to breastfeed every time, it's important to ensure that your breasts are emptied regularly—whether by nursing or pumping. This is key to helping you maintain your milk supply especially in the first few weeks postpartum when your milk supply is regulating.
What if My Milk Supply Decreases When I’m Sick?
Typically it is not the cold or virus itself won't directly affect your milk supply, but the symptoms associated with illness (such as fatigue, dehydration, or decreased appetite) can have an impact. Vomiting and diarrhea, fever can increase the risk of dehydration, which in turn can affect your milk supply.
WHAT TO DO:
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to replenish what you lose through sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea. We love electrolytes during lactation and breastfeeding, but especially during cold and flu season! Some of our favorites are: Good On Ya, Needed, and Hydromom
Nourishing Foods: Try to consume nutrient-dense foods- think broth and mineral rich soups and stews. Consider antioxidant rich smoothies to support your immune system- we’ve got a collection of nutrient dense, easy recipes designed for postpartum and breastfeeding here.
Add in supplements: Targeted supplements can fill in the gaps and boost your bodies immune defenses. We love to add in a quality
Omega 3 Fatty Acid (Nordic Naturals)
Vitamin D/K2 (Pure Encapsulations or Metagenics)
Natural Remedies for Fighting Cold and Flu Symptoms
For my crunchy, holistic mamas, there are several natural remedies that can ease discomfort and help you recover faster:
- Immune-Boosting Supplements: Consider adding Vitamin C, Zinc, Elderberry, and Echinacea to your daily routine. These supplements can help reduce the severity of cold symptoms.
Relieving Nasal Congestion
Try these remedies to relieve nasal congestion:
- Neti Pot: Use a saline solution to flush out your nasal passages and reduce sinus pressure.
- Humidifier: A cool mist humidifier can help soothe congestion, particularly at night while you sleep.
- Add in essential oils, place on a cloth or cotton ball and breath deeply (peppermint oil works great for this)
- Saline Nasal Spray: Saline Nasal Spray can help clear mucus and reduce discomfort.
Soothing a Sore Throat and Cough
Here are a few remedies to help:
- SoothingTeas: Try black teas, fenugreek tea, chamomile tea and add honey to boost your immunity
- Saltwater Gargle or Apple Cinder Vinegar: Gargle a mixture of 1 tsp of sea salt or apple cider vinegar and 8 oz of warm water to help relieve throat pain.
- Sore throat sprays (such as Chloraseptic, Vicks, Mucinex sprays) are recognized as safe for use
- Cough drops are safe, however be mindful of the quantity as large amounts of MENTHOL can impact milk supply, you can consider a menthol free options such as Hyland
MEDICATION GUIDE:
While many over-the-counter medications are safe during breastfeeding, some can affect your milk supply. Use these medications with caution- our favorite resource is to check your medications on Hales Med, an app with a huge database of medication compatibility for reference.
PSEUDOEPHEDRINE (SUDAFED): The active ingredient found in decongestants is safe for breastfeeding however can have the risk of reducing milk supply- especially for those in later lactation (after 6-8 weeks postpartum)
NASAL SPRAYS (ZICAM): Are compatible for breastfeeding
We also love to reference KellyMom’s Guide to Cold Remedies for more tips and strategies for managing cold and flu symptoms during breastfeeding.
If you're unsure about medications or if you notice a decrease in milk supply, don’t hesitate to reach out to your IBCLC or doctor for personalized advice. Stay healthy, mama, your body is resilient- take good care!