One of the biggest concerns for new mothers is whether they can breastfeed when they have a virus. Given that breastfeeding is an essential feeding practice for an infant, it is natural to worry how a disease can affect your baby’s health.

However, the good news is that breastfeeding when you have a virus is mostly safe and recommended by healthcare professionals. In fact, experts believe that breast milk can actually help your baby fight off the virus and protect their immune system.

Why is breastfeeding safe even when you have an infection?

The body of a breastfeeding mother produces antibodies to fight an infection or virus, which are passed onto the baby through her milk.

This means that breastfeeding helps the baby’s immune system to build protection against the specific virus the mother has. Therefore, continuing to breastfeed is highly recommended for babies while their mother recovers from the infection.

In contrast, stopping breastfeeding could potentially increase the likelihood of your baby catching the virus from another source, given that they already have few antibodies to fight the infection.

Moreover, breast milk contains various nutrients and minerals that are beneficial to the baby’s growth and development. Breastfeeding provides complete nutrition to the baby, and it is an easy and convenient way to feed a newborn.

As a consequence, by continuing to breastfeed, you can ensure your baby receives proper nourishment throughout their infancy.

Which illnesses make it necessary to stop breastfeeding?

While most infections do not prohibit breastfeeding, there are few illnesses that can increase the risk of transmitting the disease to the infant through breast milk.

Here are some of the conditions for which medical professionals advise you to stop breastfeeding:.

Tuberculosis
HIV
Hepatitis C
Herpes simplex virus (if lesions are present on or near the nipples)
Cytomegalovirus (if the baby is born with a low weight, or has an immature immune system)
Zika
Chemotherapy

In such cases, the doctor will assess your individual situation and advise you accordingly. They might prescribe some medications to reduce the transmission of the disease to your baby.

And, in rare cases, they may recommend switching to formula milk until you recover from the infection. In general, when deciding to stop breastfeeding due to an infection, a healthcare professional is the best person to consult for advice.

What precautions should a mother take during breastfeeding if she has a viral illness?

Here are some of the essential precautions that a mother should take while breastfeeding if she has a viral infection or illness:.

Wear a face mask, if available, to minimize the spread of disease through respiratory droplets.
Wash hands thoroughly and frequently to minimize the spread of germs to your baby.
Cover the mouth with a tissue while sneezing or coughing.
If you have herpes or any other virus that can be transmitted through your nipples or milk, avoid breastfeeding from the infected breast until it has healed.

It is important to remember that breast milk is the most organic and natural food source for your newborn. Breastfeeding is essential for their nutrition and development, and in most cases, does not pose a risk to their health.

Therefore, it is always better to consult a healthcare professional before you decide to stop breastfeeding.

When should a mother seek medical attention if she has a viral infection?

If a mother has a viral illness, it is important to monitor their symptoms and seek medical attention if any of the following symptoms occur:.

A fever of over 38.5°C
A cough, especially if it is severe or productive
A severe headache or muscle aches that disturb sleep or interrupt daily activities
Shortness of breath
Fatigue that interferes with daily activities, such as taking care of the baby or younger children
Chest pain
Abdominal pain
Severe vomiting or diarrhea that can lead to dehydration

By following these guidelines and monitoring your symptoms, you can ensure that you and your baby get the best possible care while you recover from your illness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, breastfeeding when you have a virus is generally safe, and the benefits outweigh the risks.

Breastfeeding not only helps the infant to build immunity against the virus, but also provides essential nutrition for their growth and development. While some illnesses require a mother to stop breastfeeding, you should seek professional advice before making such a decision.

By taking the necessary precautions and monitoring symptoms, a mother and her baby can continue to breastfeed safely while she recovers from the illness.