Breastfeeding While Sick: A Guide for Nursing Mothers

Breastfeeding while sick is a common concern for mothers and families. This comprehensive, evidence-based guide provides clear, authoritative answers to the most pressing questions about breastfeeding while sick. Learn what is safe, what to avoid, and how to protect both your health and your baby’s well-being during illness.

Why Breastfeeding While Sick is Important

Breast milk is a dynamic, living fluid that adapts to protect your baby—especially when you are ill. Continuing to breastfeed during most maternal illnesses provides your baby with:

• Illness-specific antibodies that reduce the risk and severity of infection
• Ongoing immune protection and reduced hospitalization rates
• Comfort and optimal nutrition during a vulnerable time

Key Principle: In over 95% of maternal illnesses, the benefits of continued breastfeeding far outweigh any theoretical risks.

Is It Safe to Breastfeed While Sick? (Illness-by-Illness Guide)

Respiratory Infections (Colds, Influenza)

• SAFE to continue breastfeeding while sick with respiratory infections.
• Respiratory viruses are not transmitted through breast milk.
• Maternal antibodies in milk protect your baby when breastfeeding while sick.
• Standard medications (acetaminophen, ibuprofen) are safe. Avoid pseudoephedrine (may reduce supply).

Gastrointestinal Illness (Stomach Bugs, Gastroenteritis)

• SAFE to continue breastfeeding while sick with stomach bugs, with precautions.
• Most stomach viruses do not pass through breast milk.
• Main risk is dehydration, which can lower supply. Prioritize hydration when breastfeeding while sick.
• Oral rehydration solutions and short-term loperamide are compatible with breastfeeding.

Mastitis and Breast Infections

• SAFE and recommended to continue breastfeeding while sick with mastitis.
• Frequent milk removal speeds recovery and prevents complications. Learn about breastfeeding positions that can help.
• Most antibiotics for mastitis are safe (dicloxacillin, cephalexin, clindamycin).

Rare Situations Requiring Temporary or Permanent Cessation

• Temporary: Untreated active tuberculosis, certain radioactive or chemotherapy treatments, severe maternal illness requiring ICU care.
• Permanent: HIV, HTLV-1/2, untreated brucellosis (rare in developed countries).

Always consult your healthcare provider for rare or complex situations.

Safe Medications While Breastfeeding and Sick

Most common medications are compatible with breastfeeding while sick. Use the table below as a quick reference for safe medications:

How to Protect Your Milk Supply While Breastfeeding and Sick

• Hydration: 8-10 glasses of fluid daily; increase with fever or GI loss when breastfeeding while sick
• Nutrition: Maintain adequate calories and protein (see our breastfeeding nutrition guide)
• Nursing/Pumping: Continue every 2-3 hours, or 8-12 times per 24 hours even when sick
• If baby refuses: Pump to maintain supply (tips for after C-section)
• Temporary dips (10-25%) are common when breastfeeding while sick and usually resolve within 24-48 hours of recovery

Tip: Power pumping and skin-to-skin contact can help restore supply quickly.

When to Seek Medical Help

For Mothers:

• Fever >103°F (39.4°C) or persistent high fever
• Severe dehydration or inability to retain fluids
• Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe abdominal pain
• Signs of mastitis complications (red streaking, abscess, worsening symptoms)

For Infants:

• Fever in infants <3 months (rectal temperature >100.4°F)
• Fewer than 6 wet diapers/day, dry mouth, sunken fontanelle
• Respiratory distress, lethargy, refusal to feed

Frequently Asked Questions About Breastfeeding While Sick

Q: Can I breastfeed while sick with a cold or flu? A: Yes, it’s generally safe to continue breastfeeding while sick with respiratory infections. Your breast milk contains antibodies that help protect your baby from getting sick.

Q: Should I stop breastfeeding if I have a stomach bug? A: No, you can usually continue breastfeeding while sick with gastrointestinal illness. The main concern is staying hydrated to maintain your milk supply.

Q: What medications are safe while breastfeeding and sick? A: Most common medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and many antibiotics are safe. Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any medication while breastfeeding.

Q: Will my milk supply decrease if I’m sick? A: Temporary dips in milk supply (10-25%) are common when breastfeeding while sick, but supply usually recovers within 24-48 hours of feeling better.

Q: When should I stop breastfeeding while sick? A: Only in rare cases like untreated tuberculosis, certain cancer treatments, or HIV. In over 95% of illnesses, continuing to breastfeed while sick is recommended.

Key Takeaways: Breastfeeding While Sick Quick Reference

• Almost always safe: Colds, flu, stomach bugs, mastitis, most antibiotics, standard pain/fever meds
• Special precautions: Maintain hydration, use safe medications, monitor baby, rest when breastfeeding while sick
• Rare exceptions: Untreated TB, certain cancer treatments, HIV/HTLV-1/2
• Temporary supply dips are normal when breastfeeding while sick and recoverable
• Consult your provider for complex cases or if in doubt about breastfeeding while sick

Also read our post on myths about breastfeeding

Conclusion

The overwhelming medical evidence supports continuing breastfeeding while sick. Breast milk provides dynamic, adaptive immune protection that cannot be replicated by formula. In nearly all cases, the benefits of continued breastfeeding while sick far outweigh any theoretical risks. Prioritize your health, stay hydrated, use safe medications, and trust in your body’s ability to protect your baby through the unique power of breast milk.