If you are a new mommy, breastfeeding: then there are some precautions you surely need to take if you fall ill. Evidence is in support of continuous breastfeeding. It is well known that Breastfeeding and skin to skin contact helps your baby to be nurtured.
Read below to get answers to some of the most common questions from new and expecting mothers to help you get the safest experience for you and your baby when feeling unwell. One of the main questions that arise is – “ Is it safe to breastfeed during illness?”
What is Breastfeeding?
All mommies to be and new mommies need to understand what breastfeeding is! In this very process, the baby is fed breastmilk. Breastfeeding is a process that new mommies develop after giving birth to their children. However, we should make sure that breastfeed during illness should be done with precaution.
What should I do if I’m too unwell to breastfeed?
Can sick moms breastfeed?
If you’re too unwell, then there are other ways to breastfeed. One very way is by expressing milk and give it to your child with a clean cup or spoon. Thus, speak to your breastfeeding counselloer or healthcare professional about the options available to you. Take care while breastfeed during illness.
Should I breastfeed if my child is sick?
Yes, it’s another thing if you’re unwell; but you can continue to breastfeed if your child is sick. If the child is sick – breastfeeding will only improve his immunity, and antibodies are passed on through breastmilk.
What precautions should I take when breastfeed during illness?
- Use an alcohol based hand rub
- This is important so as to clean and disinfect any surfaces you have touched
- Then, finally wash breastmilk pumps, milk storage containers and feeding utensiles after every use.
Should I continue to breastfeed if I have a more serious illness?
The core question that arises is can sick moms breastfeed?
What if I have HIV: Mothers who have HIV are not recommended to breastfeed.
Tuberculosis: If you have active, untreated TB then you should avoid direct breastfeeding, however expressed breast milk is often still safe once treatment begins.
When You Might Need to Pause Breastfeeding
Although it’s rare, there are certain situations where temporary weaning may be necessary. These include”
- Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- Radioactive isotopes used in certain imaging tests
- Psychiatric medications or immunosuppressive drugs
Even in these cases, you can often resume breastfeeding after the medication has cleared your system. During the pause, consider pumping and discarding milk to maintain your supply.
Medication Safety for Breastfeeding
One should know that most medications are compatible with breastfeeding!
These medicines include antibiotics, pain releievers, antidepressants, allergy medications, and also medicines for chronic conditions.
This we say is okay is because the amount of medicine that passes into breast milk is often very small – far less than the dose an infant would recieve directly.
Is it necessary for my health care provider’s OK ahead of time?
If you’re a new mommy and you HAVE to take medications at the moment: then it’s best to check with your healthcare provider. Also, avoid taking medications that you don’t really need.
What if my baby has a reaction?
If you are a new mommy who is breastfeeding while taking medication, then make sure to watch your baby for kind of changes in the habits.
If you notice any change in the baby’s behaviour, then immediately contact the healthcare provider. Thus medication safety for breastfeeding should be undertaken.
Final Thoughts: New Mommies, Don’t Worry – Breastfeed!
As mentioned above, there are many situations where mothers can safely continue breastfeeding without worry. If you’ve come down with a mild illness, don’t panic—just follow the guidance in the article to find safe ways to keep nursing.
At Meher Hospital, often regarded as the Best IVF Hospital in Dehradun, your baby’s safety and care come first. We’re here to support you through every step, helping you create beautiful memories and a strong bond with your newborn.