If the flu or a monster cold has knocked you off your feet, you may worry that the illness will pass to your baby through your breast milk. The truth is, by the time you're feeling your worst, your baby has already been exposed to your germs, simply through touching and being in close contact, not through breast milk. Most of the time, the best thing you can do to prevent your baby from coming down with your illness is to keep up your breastfeeding routine.
Common Illnesses
Many breastfeeding mothers get a cold, infection or other minor illness. When sickness strikes, it's safer to continue breastfeeding, according to WomensHealth.gov, even if you're taking certain medications. That's because breast milk provides vital antibodies that help fight the illness your baby has been exposed to. Still, talk to your doctor before you take anything -- including over-the-counter medications. Generally, the benefits of breast milk outweigh the risks of passing on small amounts of medication. "Very few medicines can't be used while breastfeeding," reports WomensHealth.gov.
Serious Illness and Surgery
Women with HIV, tuberculosis and certain types of viral infections shouldn't breastfeed. Neither should women undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer. Some women undergoing radiation can resume breastfeeding a short time after completing treatment. Surgeries might impede your ability to breastfeed. Most of the time, however, surgeries require no or only a short break from breastfeeding. Once you've regained strength and any medications not recommended for breastfeeding mothers pass from your system, you can resume feeding your baby.
Chronic Medical Conditions
If you must take medications regularly due to depression, heart disease, diabetes or other chronic medical conditions, odds are you can safely breastfeed while you manage your illness. The medications you're taking may be safe for your baby. If not, your doctor will be able to prescribe a similar medication or alternate therapy that will keep your baby safe while you take care of yourself. The key is a regular, ongoing dialogue with your doctor about your symptoms, your medication's efficacy and your baby's health.
If You Must Take a Break
If you have an illness that requires you to take a break from breastfeeding, continue to pump and discard your breast milk regularly. If you do not pump your milk, you risk decreased production. Not pumping can also lead to painful engorgement and breast infections. If you do not wish to give your baby formula during this time, you can use another woman's breast milk from a breast milk bank.
