Can a Breastfeeding Mother Nurse Her Baby if She Has a Cold?

Can a Breastfeeding Mother Nurse Her Baby if She Has a Cold?

If a mother catches a cold during the breastfeeding period and is not taking medication, she can continue nursing her baby as long as the symptoms are not severe. Newborn babies have a certain level of inherent immunity, so mothers need not worry excessively about transmitting the cold to their babies and refrain from nursing. Moreover, the mother has likely already transmitted the pathogens to the baby through contact, so even if breastfeeding is immediately stopped, the baby may still get infected. By continuing to breastfeed, the baby can receive relevant antibodies from the breast milk, which helps strengthen their immune system.

If the mother does not have a fever during the cold, she can drink plenty of water, eat light and easily digestible foods, and take cold remedies. At this time, the father should take the initiative to take care of the baby, allowing the mother to get more rest and recover as soon as possible. It is essential to note that since the mother is in close proximity to the baby while breastfeeding, if she coughs vigorously or sneezes, wearing a mask and periodically opening windows to ensure indoor air circulation can help reduce the probability of virus transmission.

If the mother's illness is severe, she should seek medical attention at the hospital and avoid taking medication without proper prescription from a doctor to prevent certain drugs from entering the breast milk and affecting the baby. During the peak of a cold with high fever, breastfeeding can be temporarily suspended for 1 to 2 days. During this break, the mother should ensure to pump out the breast milk to maintain its continued secretion. Alternatively, she can collect the expressed milk in a bottle and freeze it for later use; when needed, the thawed milk can be given to the baby.