It’s flu season once again! The weather is changing, and the need to adjust makes our bodies more susceptible to infections. The flu, coughs, and colds are most commonly dealt with during these times. But as a breastfeeding mom, you may wonder, “it is dangerous to breastfeed while you have the flu?”
Breastfeeding With A Flu: Is It Dangerous?
Being sick with the flu can be very frustrating and leave you with worries about breastfeeding. But the truth is, it’s not dangerous at all to breastfeed even while you are sick.
It’s totally fine to nurse your baby even if you have “ordinary” illness such as a cold, sore throat, flu, tummy bug or fever.
Your breast milk has the amazing capabilities of delivering the most essential nutrients for your child’s growth and protection. As a matter of fact, your baby gets a special immunity when you breastfeed when you have flu. They receive antibodies and immunological compounds that boost their resistance to common infections.
What Should You Do?
It is important for moms to take care of themselves when you are sick. Continue to breastfeed so that your child can benefit from the preventive nutrients found in breast milk. Focus on your recovery by drinking plenty of water and having enough rest.
Babies attending daycare are at much greater risk of being sick. Mommyz should continue giving them breast milk through pumping. This again will give them the needed immunity boost to shield them from the common infections.
Medications For Flu While Breastfeeding
As for prescriptions, most over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for fever, cough, sore throat, and colds are safe to drink for breastfeeding moms. However, it’s also best to consult with your pediatrician, doctors, or a lactation expert to know which one works well with breastfeeding.
These are the most common medications that are safe:
- Analgesics like Aleve, Anacin-3 Regular Strength, Tempra, Tylenol, Motrin, and Advil
- Sore throat remedies like Celestial Seasonings, Cepacol Lozenges, NICE Lozenges, and Vicks Lozenges
- Sinus decongestants like Pseudoephedrine. Use with caution because pseudoephedrine can decrease milk supply
- Most non-sedating antihistamines like Claritin, Actifed, Zyrtec, and Allegra. (avoid those with sedative effects as this may cause your babies to be drowsy).
When Should You Seek Medical Help?
More serious illnesses and treatments for diseases like cancer, STDs, HIV, tuberculosis, measles, and septicemia may require you to temporarily stop breastfeeding. These are the conditions that may be passed on to your child if you continue breastfeeding. Seek medical advice when faced with these kinds of sickness to know whether or not it is safe to continue breastfeeding.
Visit our store at https://shop.mommyzlove.com and check out all our breastfeeding mommyz essentials. Use coupon code MOMMYZ15 for a 15% discount storewide on your first purchase
