Alas, no one is immune from colds. Nursing mothers are also no exception, especially since the body, weakened by childbirth and lactation, is easily susceptible to seasonal infections. Most of all, in case of illness, young mothers are worried about whether breastfeeding is safe for the baby during this period and whether there is a risk of infecting him.
In fact, breastfeeding is permitted and even encouraged if the mother has an acute respiratory illness or viral infection. There is a very limited list of conditions for which pediatricians insist on stopping or stopping breastfeeding. A cold is not a reason to exclude a child from natural nutrition. On the contrary, with breast milk, the baby receives antibodies to infections, which form his immunity for the rest of his life. Therefore, if the mother finds the strength to continue feeding, it is not forbidden for her. However, there are two exceptions to this rule.
Herbs act on the body in the same way as medicines. Therefore, when using traditional medicines to treat colds, remember to moderate and avoid consuming sage, mint and thyme, which reduce lactation.
Age up to 3 weeks
Newborns under 3 weeks of age are very susceptible to any infection. This is especially true for premature babies. Therefore, if you are sick, ask your pediatrician if you can continue breastfeeding. In general, for such cases, it is recommended to start collecting breast milk immediately after the baby is born, when lactation is at its peak. Express milk in special sterile containers and store it on a shelf in the freezer. If milk is properly prepared, it can be stored for up to 180 days without losing its unique properties. A milk supply will help you out in case of illness or long absence.
Mastitis at the initial stage can manifest itself in the same way as viral infections: a person is shivering, the temperature rises. If the fever persists for 48 hours without visible symptoms of a cold, see your doctor.
Taking medication
Unfortunately, there are a very limited number of medications approved for use during breastfeeding. To avoid harm to your child's health, do not self-medicate and always consult with your doctor about the medications you are taking. Even drugs that are approved during lactation can have side effects that affect the health or behavior of the baby. For example, pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) has been shown to cause jitters, and taking a diphenhydramine medication can make your child more lethargic and sleepy. Your condition may require a more serious approach and taking antibiotics. In this case, it is recommended to temporarily interrupt breastfeeding and switch to adapted milk formulas. During this time, lactation must be maintained by regular emptying of the breast.
Breastfeeding during a cold is safe, but, nevertheless, you need to remember the rules of personal hygiene in order to avoid re-infection, because the body of a nursing mother spends a lot of energy on fighting the disease, so this has a bad effect on milk production. Wash your hands often, use a separate towel and cutlery.
