Both pregnancy and breastfeeding are times of doubt, especially for new mothers. Any problem or alteration supposes suffering regarding the baby’s health. One of these doubts is when the mother falls ill, doubts that come from the possibility of infecting the child.
It is often thought that when faced with the flu, cold, or any infection that causes fever, the mother should stop breastfeeding the baby. However, all experts agree that they recommend continuing to breastfeed. Are you wondering if I can breastfeed if I have a fever? In the following FastlyHealarticle we give you the answer and address all the topics that may interest you.
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Can I breastfeed if I have a fever?
Every time a nursing mother becomes ill, the same questions arise: Can she continue to breastfeed? Will I infect the baby? Contrary to what is popularly transmitted, the truth is that the best thing to do is to continue breastfeeding the baby. On the one hand, the child can’t be infected through milk; on the other, it is precisely the mother’s milk that will provide the infant with the necessary antibodies to fight that infection in the future.
Viruses that can cause colds or flu are not passed on with breast milk; they are only spread through the air. When you noticed the first symptoms, you had already contracted that infection for days. Most likely, your baby has already been infected, so continuing to breastfeed is the best remedy for you to pass the antibodies you are creating, and you can help him fight it. Although he also fell ill, you have to be aware that his body’s defensive system is being developed at that age, and his body is learning to overcome these diseases; it is a time of immune learning.
In a sense, breastfeeding your child if you have a fever is a way to vaccinate him against these viruses; if he had been infected, his symptoms would be much milder than if you had not breastfed him.
What can I take for a fever if I am breastfeeding
If what causes your fever is an illness that needs antibiotic treatment, let your doctor know your situation, and make sure that you can take these antibiotics during breastfeeding.
Although certain medications may pose risks for the baby, the Spanish Association of Pediatrics clarifies that almost 100% of the usually prescribed medicines are compatible with breastfeeding. Among these incompatible drugs, none are named for the flu or cold, two of the most common ailments that cause fever. For more security, we reiterate that you should consult with your doctor to have no problem.
If you have to take a medicine that is incompatible with breastfeeding your baby, the best solution is to continue expressing milk yourself to maintain the same level of production. You can continue to feed the baby milk that you previously stored or formula.
The following article will talk about the foods you should not eat while breastfeeding.
How to avoid spreading the flu to my baby
Both flu, colds, and most of these diseases are spread through the air, saliva, and various body secretions. That is why doctors advise the following recommendations to avoid infecting the baby :
- Cover your mouth when sneezing, but do it with your arm instead of your hand.
- Do not sneeze in the direction where the baby is.
- Wash your hands very often, especially before breastfeeding.
- That the whole family is vaccinated before the beginning of the contagion period.
- Has the nursing mother been immunized during pregnancy?
However, since the onset of symptoms is after the mother’s ability to infect, it is likely that even if these tips are followed, the child will become infected during that time when it is unknown to be ill. Nor should we rule out the opposite path, that is, that it is the child who has been infected and who subsequently infects the mother. It has been shown that young children can be contagious for a longer time, so it may be the one who has infected you, but you will have symptoms earlier – since your immune system will go to work sooner. Be that as it may, continuing to breastfeed is essential to help you create those antibodies you need to be able to fight the virus.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Can, I breastfeed if I have a fever? We recommend that you enter our Pregnancy and baby health category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.