Having a new baby around can get overwhelming! In between breastfeeding, changing diapers, all-around errands, and sleepless nights, you’re bound to hit a fatigue hump. Being this exhausted can lower your immune system, which can make you easily susceptible to common illnesses.
If you’re feeling a sore throat, runny nose, head, and muscle aches, you might be catching the usual symptoms of the most common infections. As a breastfeeding mom, it can become a worry to breastfeed when you’re sick. But did you know that if you are sick while breastfeeding, the milk that you produce might actually benefit your baby as they are more likely be protected from your infection?
Sick While Breastfeeding – Is it Safe?
In most situations — yes! In fact, it’s actually encouraged! Your breast milk has immunological properties like antibodies that can protect your baby from the most common infections. Pausing breastfeeding while you are sick makes things worse as it increases the chances of your baby getting sick as well.
Truth is, viral infections become contagious even before symptoms show up. Although you’re not feeling sick yet, your infection can be spreading around the household already.
Does Breast Milk Pass On Infections?
Typically, most run-of-the-mill illnesses do not get transmitted through breast milk. The way the common bugs spread around is through person-to-person contact, especially through coughing, sneezing, or speaking where respiratory droplets containing the viruses get distributed in the air.
Interestingly, your breast milk compensates by changing its composition whenever you’re feeling ill. When a breastfeeding mother’s body is exposed to viruses and bacteria, the milk production system makes more antibodies to provide protection for both you and your baby!
When Should You Stop Breastfeeding And Go To The Doctor?
The infections of the mom, whether respiratory or gastrointestinal, can only become harmful to an infant when the condition becomes more severe and results in septicemia (or blood poisoning). This means that the bacteria has already reached the milk.
In addition, there are special illnesses and conditions that may require you to stop breastfeeding for a while. Cancer, STDs, HIV, tuberculosis, and measles can be passed down through your breast milk. It’s best to seek your doctor’s advice to know whether or not it’s safe to continue breastfeeding.
