Breastfeeding While Sick

Updated on October 23, 2010
E.H. asks from Urbandale, IA
11 answers

Hi Moms,
I was up with a stomach issue most of last night, and I'm not sure if it's a bug, or if it was something that I ate (we did eat out at a restaraunt, and no one ordered the same thing), and I'm not sure what I should do about feeding my 3 month old daughter. Is it alright to feed her normally, or should I try to give her some milk that I have stored up?

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So What Happened?

First of all, thank you all so much for the responses! So many of you just expressed sympathy for my not feeling well, and that is so kind, especially to a stranger!
I feel much better today, and I did continue to feed my daughter, and everything was just fine. I had searched the internet to find the answer as well, but I really just wanted to hear from other moms. That's what is so great about mamasource, hearing from others who have been through what your going through!
Thanks again!

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S.R.

answers from Appleton on

I just wanted to say that I hope you're feeling better soon. It is so hard to take care of the family when you aren't feeling 100%. My heart goes out to you.
Take Care,
~SR

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S.S.

answers from Milwaukee on

I remember asking my doctor if I could continue to nurse the first time I got sick. He said that because my body was building up it's immunity to the illness that the best thing I could do was nurse him...so keep going. But remember to drink tons of water to stay hydrated!

I wish you a speedy recovery!

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T.K.

answers from Dallas on

Thank you so much. I'm currently dealing with stomach issues and I have a 4 month old. Wasn't sure what to do, but now thanks to these answers I will continue to nurse her and just drink lots of water!

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B.B.

answers from Minneapolis on

I want to know the answer to this too! I am breastfeeding my 5-mo old baby girl, and I was sick a couple weeks ago. I continued to breastfeed her and she never got sick. I guess you could call your doctor and ask. There are even some medicines that are okay to "pass along" like Robitussin I think is safe, and there are others.

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C.O.

answers from Minneapolis on

Feed her normally. If you're sick your body is building immunity to it and you'll pass it down to your daughter.

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P.P.

answers from Minneapolis on

Feed her like you'd normally do. If you have the bug she'll problably end up getting it either through your breastmilk or as you talk to her. Your water vabors as you speak carry a long distance and you just can't avoid getting others around you sick. I would keep feeding my baby if it were me.

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A.H.

answers from Waterloo on

Just as everyone else has said, continue to feed her normally. I found that when I breastfed when I was sick to my stomach it made me feel worse when I was actually nursing but she didn't get sick- so I guess that is the important thing! Also keep hydrated as best as you can which will help everything.

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D.L.

answers from Madison on

I had the stomach flu while nursing my daughter when she was 3 mo. and kept going. We were both fine and I found I recovered quicker, I think because I was hydrating so well to keep up my milk supply. This too shall pass!

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A.F.

answers from St. Cloud on

Absolutely keep feeding her! I'm so sorry that you are feeling sick. The good news is that even when I had the flu my kids never got sick when I was nursing them. The hard part is just plain being sick when you have kids to take care of! I hope you feel better soon!

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A.K.

answers from Minneapolis on

I agree with all the other moms. I was sick and on antibiotics a few times while nursing and my doctor told me that it's still fine to nurse normally. It actually helps baby fight off the illness.

Hope you feel better soon!

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L.Y.

answers from Wausau on

Hi E.,
Definately keep feeding her. It's the best thing for her. You'll build immunity to the sickness which will pass in the breastmilk to her. My kids never got sick when i was sick and breastfeeding them. I did catch the RSV virus (called something else in adults) from my son at 4 months. I could have caught it from my husband though too since we figure he's the one that broght it home. Keep hydrating so you can keep up your milk supply. I hope you're feeling better soon. *Hugs*

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