Breastfeeding While Sick: Is It Safe for My Baby?

Circle City Midwifery16 Jul, 2024Health

Breastfeeding while sick with common illnesses like colds, flu, diarrhea, and COVID-19 is generally safe. The main concern is usually the close contact between mother and baby, which could spread airborne illnesses. When a mother is sick, the composition of her breast milk can change subtly. Research shows that the levels of certain components, such as immune-boosting antibodies, increase during illness. These antibodies help fight the illness and are passed to the baby through breast milk. This transfer is crucial as it strengthens the baby's immune defenses, protecting them not only from the mother's current illness but also from a wide range of pathogens.