It’s Cold and Flu Season! What to Know About Breastfeeding While Sick

Cold and flu season is coming! In fact, for many, it’s already here. If you have older kids in daycare or school, you’re likely already battling seasonal germs. 

Along with sniffly noses, cold season also brings extra questions for nursing mamas and their babies, like:

• How can I prevent passing on my cold to my baby?

• Do breastfed babies get over colds faster? 

• Will my milk supply go down while I’m sick?

• And much more!

We are here to answer your questions, ease your mind, and give you helpful tips to get through cold and flu season.

Top Tips: Breastfeeding a Sick Baby

It can be heartbreaking to see your baby not feeling well. The good news for breastfeeding moms is that you already have a powerful way to heal your baby: your breast milk.

Here are some of the top questions and answers to help along the way!

Can breastfeeding give my baby immunity?

Yes! Breastfed babies get a natural immunity boost from their moms. When a mama is exposed to bacteria or viruses, your body produces antibodies to fight it. These antibodies are then passed to the baby through breast milk. 

Even more amazing is that when your baby is sick, your milk adjusts by increasing levels of immune-boosting cells, known as leukocytes, to help them recover faster. While breastfeeding won’t prevent every cold, it can reduce the chances and help your baby get over illnesses more quickly by providing the exact nutrients, antibodies, and vitamins they need to feel better. 

If my baby has a cold, will it affect how he/she wants to nurse?

Yes, sometimes it can. When your baby has a cold, things like a sore throat or stuffy nose might make breastfeeding a little trickier for them. They may need to pause more often while nursing to catch their breath, especially if nasal congestion makes it hard to breathe through their nose. You might notice your baby pulling off the breast more frequently or wanting shorter, more frequent feeds. Go with their flow and offer the breast often—it helps! 

How else can I help my sick baby?

When it comes to feeding, keeping your baby in an upright position during breastfeeding can help with congestion and make it easier for them to breathe. You can also try using saline drops and a suction bulb to clear their nose before feeding. If your baby is still struggling with nursing, offering your breast milk in a syringe, dropper, or even a cup can help keep them hydrated.

Be sure to keep an eye on their diaper output, too! Wet diapers are a great sign that they’re staying hydrated. Another trick is to freeze some breast milk into a slushy texture and spoon-feed it to your little one—this can provide a soothing effect on their sore throat while giving them the important nutrients they need. 

Physical contact is also super comforting when your baby isn't feeling well. Cuddling your baby helps with aches and pains and makes you both feel better emotionally. And, of course, if your baby’s cold worsens or seems more severe, don’t hesitate to check in with your healthcare provider.

How can I maintain my supply if my baby is feeding less?

It’s all about supply and demand! If your baby is nursing less because they’re not feeling well, it’s important to keep expressing milk regularly to maintain your supply. You’ll want to pump or hand-express as often as your baby would normally feed, day and night. This keeps telling your body that more milk is needed, even if your baby isn’t breastfeeding as much. By expressing regularly, you’re ensuring that your milk supply stays strong, so when your little one is back to their usual feeding routine, your body is ready to meet their needs. 

Top Tips: Breastfeeding When Mama is Sick

Meeting the demands of mom life is not easy when you’re sick! When it comes to breastfeeding, here are some of the top questions and answers to help along the way!

What if a breastfeeding mom gets a cold?

If you come down with a cold, flu, fever, etc., there's no need to stop breastfeeding. Your baby won’t catch the illness through your breast milk—in fact, your milk is packed with antibodies that can help protect your little one from getting sick. So, not only is it safe, but continuing to breastfeed while you’re under the weather is actually a great idea for your baby’s health!

How can I prevent passing my cold to my baby?

Keeping your hands clean is key! To minimize the chances of spreading your cold, make sure to wash your hands with soap before and after feeding your baby, preparing food, eating, using the bathroom, or changing diapers. If you cough or sneeze, use a tissue or sneeze into the crook of your elbow, and wash or sanitize your hands afterward. If you’re particularly concerned—especially with newborns—you could consider wearing a medical-grade mask while you're in close contact with your baby to reduce the risk even more.

If I have a cold, will it affect my milk supply?

The cold virus itself won’t lower your milk supply, but the symptoms can sometimes lead to less breastfeeding, which could affect supply temporarily. To keep your supply steady, make sure you stay hydrated, eat nourishing foods, and rest as much as possible. Be mindful of over-the-counter medications, as some can reduce milk production. Try natural remedies like using a cool mist humidifier. If you do notice a drop in supply, don’t worry—it should bounce back once you’re feeling better. Just make sure you're drinking enough fluids and emptying your breasts regularly to maintain that supply and demand balance. 

Are there any cold medicines I should avoid?

Most cold medicines are safe to take while breastfeeding, but there are a few you should steer clear of because they can affect your milk supply. These include:

• Codeine

• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

• Doxylamine (NyQuil)

• Hydrocodone

• Phenylephrine

• Pseudoephedrine

It’s always a good idea to double-check with a healthcare provider. Whether it’s your pediatrician, OB-GYN, lactation consultant, or even your pharmacist, they can help guide you on which medications are safe and which ones to avoid.

Have you or your baby been sick with a cold recently? Let us know what things helped you and your little one get through the cold and flu season! Let’s support each other on the Nestberry “Thriving Moms, Healthy Babies” Facebook Page Here!