Can I breastfeed my baby if I have the flu?
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Stacy Wiegman answered:Experts say that you should continue to breastfeed when you have the flu. Your breast milk contains important antibodies that help your baby fight off infection, and it's good for her to keep receiving these antibodies even while you are sick. Breastfed babies are less likely to catch the flu than babies who are not breastfed. And if a breastfed baby does catch the flu, she probably won't get as sick as a baby who is not breastfed.
If you feel too sick to breastfeed, experts recommend pumping and then having another person in the family feed your baby. Remember to wash your hands often and avoid sneezing or coughing near your child whenever possible.
Experts say that you should continue to breastfeed when you have the flu. Your breast milk contains important antibodies that help your baby fight off infection, and it's good for her to keep receiving these antibodies even while you are... More -
Cynthia Vlasich of Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answered:Yes, please do. Breastfeeding provides excellent nutrition for your baby. If your baby has a respiratory flu with a stuffy nose, you'll want to ensure they are able to breathe well through their nose as they nurse.Yes, please do. Breastfeeding provides excellent nutrition for your baby. If your baby has a respiratory flu with a stuffy nose, you'll want to ensure they are able to breathe well through their nose as they nurse. More -
Dr. Carol Caico of Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answered:Yes, you can continue to breastfeed if the baby has the flu. The only problem is if the infant is too congested with symptoms of the flu to adequately suck and breathe at the same time. If this occurs the mother can pump some milk and cup feed the baby which gives the baby nutrition without having to suck and breathe. If the baby can breastfeed with the flu then of course breastfeeding should continueYes, you can continue to breastfeed if the baby has the flu. The only problem is if the infant is too congested with symptoms of the flu to adequately suck and breathe at the same time. If this occurs the mother can pump some milk and cup feed the... More -
Dr. Diana Blythe of Pediatric Associates answered:You can breastfeed your baby if you have the flu, just be careful. By touching and holding your baby after having had a fever in the last twenty four hours, you are exposing your baby to the same illness that you have whether you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.
If you are feeling especially ill and there is someone to help you, see if the other caregiver can do the holding and use breastmilk in a bottle until your illness resolves. The breastmilk will contain your antibodies to help your baby fight off the flu if exposed. If you are the sole caregiver, wash your hands well and try wearing a mask if you need to hold your baby. It may seem distant, but it will help protect your baby.
You can breastfeed your baby if you have the flu, just be careful. By touching and holding your baby after having had a fever in the last twenty four hours, you are exposing your baby to the same illness that you have whether you are breastfeeding... More
