We’ve all been there: You’re snuggling your baby, fighting a fever or cough, and wondering —“Is my milk still safe?” Science shows breastfeeding during most illnessesprotectsyour baby while keeping your supply stable. This article has all the answers you need about breastfeeding when you're sick.
Can You Keep Breastfeeding When You're Sick
Yes, you absolutely can—and should—keep breastfeeding when you’re sick.Your breast milk isn’t just food; it’s a personalized immune booster for your baby. When you catch a bug (like a cold, flu, or even COVID), your body starts making antibodies within hours.
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Colds/flu(just mask up during feeds)
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Stomach bugs(yes, even with diarrhea/vomiting)
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Fever(your milk won’t “spoil” – that’s a myth!)
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Mastitis(breast infections won’t harm baby)
A 2023 CDC report confirms that breastfed babies of sick moms have70% lower ER visit ratesfor respiratory illnesses. Why? Because your milk adapts daily to whatbothof you need. Even if baby catches your cold (from your sneezes, not your milk!), the antibodies in your breast milk help make their symptoms milder.
SEE ALSO How to Breastfeed When Your Baby Is Sick
Medications and Breastfeeding
If you’re breastfeeding and need to take medication, rest assured—most common drugs are safe for your baby.
Here’s how it works: When you take a pill or liquid medicine, only a tiny amount (usually 1-3%) passes into your breast milk. This happens because medications must first enter your bloodstream, and even then, your body acts like a filter, limiting what reaches your milk. Smaller drug molecules or those that dissolve in fat may transfer slightly more, but the key takeaway?
To stay safe, focus on three simple rules.
Is this medication truly necessary?Many over-the-counter options (like decongestants for a stuffy nose) can be skipped or swapped for safer alternatives—think saline spray instead of Sudafed, which might dry up your milk supply.
Time your doses wisely. Take pills right after nursing, since most medications peak in your bloodstream 1-2 hours later. For example, popping ibuprofen after a feeding session gives your body time to process it before the next feed.
Consider your baby’s age. Newborns and preemies process drugs slowly, so extra caution is needed, while babies over 6 months handle medications more efficiently.
Doctors use a straightforward safety rating system called Hale’s L1-L5 categoriesto classify medications. L1 drugs (like Tylenol, ibuprofen, and most antibiotics) are proven safe. L3 medications (such as certain antidepressants or Sudafed) require weighing benefits against risks, while L5 drugs (chemotherapy, illegal substances) should always be avoided.
Antibiotics like penicillin and amoxicillin are generally safe, even if they cause temporary side effects like diaper rash. For pain relief, Tylenol (acetaminophen) is the gold standard, while Advil (ibuprofen) works for short-term use—just skip aspirin, which carries risks for babies. Cold and allergy meds like Zyrtec or Claritin are usually fine, but avoid pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) if you’re worried about milk supply. Herbal supplements? Proceed with caution. Products like fenugreek or valerian lack solid safety data, so “natural” doesn’t always mean safe.
If you’re unsure about timing, try pumping milk before taking a medication or using formula temporarily for high risk drugs.
Most medications are safe while breastfeeding when used thoughtfully.Stay hydrated, rest when possible.
Breastfeeding Your Baby While You're Sick – Keeping Both of You Safe
When you’re sick while nursing,focus first on managing your symptomswhile keeping breastfeeding safe. Let’s start with the most common issue: colds and respiratory illnesses.
1. Colds and Respiratory Infections
✔️Safe to breastfeed!Your milk actually carries antibodies that help protect your baby. Here’s how to do it safely:
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Wash handsthoroughly before holding baby or touching pump parts.
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Wear a maskduring feeds if coughing/sneezing (even a cloth mask helps!).
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Stay hydrated: Sip water, broth, or electrolyte drinks. Dehydration can tank your milk supply.
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Use saline dropsfor stuffy noses instead of oral decongestants (Sudafed can reduce milk production).
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Rest while nursing: Lie on your side in bed—feed baby and nap at the same time!
If you’re too weak to hold baby, pump milk and have a partner bottle-feed. Your milk is still beneficial even if delivered by bottle.
2. Fever Management
Fevers won’t “spoil” your milk. Here’s your action plan:
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Take Tylenol (acetaminophen)—it’s safe, reduces fever, and eases body aches.
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Cool down: Place a damp washcloth on your forehead while nursing.
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Nurse more often: Frequent feeds prevent engorgement and keep supply stable.
Call your doctor if:
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Fever lasts over 24 hours
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You develop chest pain or trouble breathing
3. Sore Throat or Cough
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Honey in warm tea(for moms only—never give honey to babies under 1!).
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Throat lozengesare okay, but avoid menthol-heavy types before nursing—some babies dislike the taste.
4. Breast Pain or Infections
For sore nipples:
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Fix the latch: Baby’s mouth should cover most of the areola, not just the nipple.
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Apply medical-grade lanolinafter feeds (no need to wipe off).
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Use breast shellsto protect tender nipples between feeds.
For mastitis (breast infection):
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Nurse MORE on the sore side—it clears blockages faster.
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Warm compressbefore feeding,gentle massagetoward the nipple.
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Ibuprofen (Advil)reduces inflammation and pain safely.
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Call your OB-GYNif you see red streaks, feel flu-like symptoms, or have a hard lump that won’t soften.
5. Stomach Bugs or Diarrhea
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Keep breastfeeding: Your milk hydrates baby better than anything else.
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Hydrate yourself: Oral rehydration salts (like Pedialyte) work better than plain water.
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Eat bland foods: Toast, bananas, and applesauce stabilize your stomach.
When to Pause Breastfeeding (Temporarily!)
Only stop if:
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You’re prescribedchemotherapyorradioactive drugs
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You haveactive herpes sores on the breast(not cold sores!)
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Your doctor specifically advises it
Even then, pump regularly to maintain supply.
Rest as much as possible, accept help from others, and trust your body’s ability to heal while nurturing your little one. If symptoms last longer than 3 days or worsen, call your healthcare provider—they can prescribe breastfeeding-safe treatments.
Final Thought
Before heading to the doctor or hospital, pump some milk ahead of time. Storing it in the fridge (up to 4 days) or freezer (6 months) gives caregivers a ready supply while you focus on getting better.
Before turning to formula, know that short-term use is a safe backup if pumping isn’t an option. Your health comes first—you can always go back to breastfeeding once you’ve recovered.
A few quick tips:
- Label milk with the date and time to keep it fresh.
- Use a small cooler bag if milk needs to travel.
- Send a photo of where the milk is stored to avoid mix-ups.
Getting medical care doesn’t make you any less of a great parent. Your milk will be there when you're ready, and lactation consultants are just a call away if you need support. Take care of yourself—your baby needs a healthy mama most of all.
FAQs
Can I still breastfeed if I have a cold or flu?
Yes! Your milk contains antibodies that help protect your baby. Just wash your hands and wear a mask while feeding.
Is it safe to take medication while breastfeeding?
Most medications are safe. Stick to Tylenol (acetaminophen) for pain and check with a doctor for anything stronger.
What should I do if I have mastitis?
Keep breastfeeding on the sore side, use warm compresses, and take ibuprofen for pain. Call your doctor if symptoms worsen.
