It sometimes happens that a mother becomes ill and develops a fever while breastfeeding. I have heard many stories where such an illness marked the end of an otherwise successful breastfeeding journey. But why? Unfortunately, there are still many myths and misconceptions suggesting that breastfeeding while sick is not recommended.
Let’s take a closer look at these myths:
1. “The milk goes bad because of the fever”
This is a myth! Breast milk cannot “boil” in the mother’s breast, and the fact that the mother has a fever does not harm the milk in any way.
2. “The mother will infect her baby through breastfeeding”
Most illnesses are contagious days before symptoms even appear. If the mother has not already passed the illness to her baby – with whom she lives in almost complete symbiosis – then she will not suddenly pass it on through breastfeeding. (Here we are talking about everyday infections, not serious illnesses, which are beyond the scope of this article.)
Even more importantly: breast milk contains antibodies that are essential for the baby. These antibodies provide passive immunity. So if the baby does catch the illness, they are far more likely to recover quickly and easily.
3. “It is too exhausting for the mother to breastfeed while sick”
This might feel true, but for a mother who breastfeeds regularly, pumping instead of nursing is just as exhausting. The breasts need to be emptied regardless, to avoid mastitis. So the mother has two choices: continue breastfeeding or pump. In most cases, it is far easier to nurse the baby in bed than to get up, pump the milk, and then feed it to the baby separately.
What About Medications?
Even if the mother needs to take medicine, she can usually still breastfeed – as long as the medication is safe during breastfeeding. Many medications are compatible with breastfeeding. If there is any doubt, it is always best to ask a doctor.
In short: with a simple cold, flu, or similar illness, there is no reason to stop breastfeeding. On the contrary – continuing to nurse is the best choice for both mother and baby.
