Breastfeeding when unwell.

Acommon question I get asked as a midwife is “should I breastfeed if I am unwell?”

The simple answer is YES. 

This is because breastmilk contains antibodies and other immune protecting factors which helps protect your baby from a variety of illnesses. 

Continuing to breastfeed while you are sick gives your baby valuable protection against the effects of your illness. It is also very important to continue to breastfeed while you are sick so you are able to maintain your milk supply.

There is no reason to isolate yourself from your baby when you are sick, as your baby will already have been exposed to the illness before you realised you were sick. It is, however, important to have good hand hygiene, such as washing hands with soap and warm water, and keeping up your fluid intake to prevent dehydration.