Breastfeeding Despite a Cold: Am I Endangering My Baby?
Cold, cough, hoarseness – unfortunately, even nursing mothers are not spared from flu-like infections. You can find out here whether you can breastfeed despite a cold and what you should look out for.
The limbs ache, the throat scratches and the nose tingles suspiciously: a cold is on the way. Many mommies are then very worried that they could infect their baby – especially when they are breastfeeding.
Can I breastfeed when I have a cold?
Yes, you may! Breastfeeding despite a cold is not a problem for your baby, because already during pregnancy you have given him the best protection: your antibodies. This so-called nest protection is a clever move by nature. It is supposed to protect the little ones from infections in their first months of life. However, this is no guarantee that your baby will not be infected. This makes it all the more important to pay special attention to hygiene when breastfeeding despite a cold. This includes:
- wash one’s hands properly
- disinfection of the hands
- avoid close facial contact
If you are unsure whether something other than a cold is behind the symptoms, please go to the doctor quickly and have a checkup to see if it could be dangerous for your baby.
Medication during the breastfeeding period
You should be careful with medication when breastfeeding. You should not take every medicine you can because some of them could harm your baby. Because your little darling also takes the medicine with her breast milk. However, if you cannot do without medication, it is strongly recommended that you read the package insert and inform your doctor that you are breastfeeding.
Important: If you have a fever or severe pain, you do not need to torture yourself unnecessarily. Paracetamol and ibuprofen in the correct dosage are also allowed during breastfeeding and are not dangerous for your baby. However, it is best to always take your medication after breastfeeding.
What you can do for your cold
Well-tried home remedies for colds quickly get you fit again and support the healing process.
This will help you get well faster:
- Inhalation
- Drink onion juice
- Make a tea from ginger and lemon
- Eat chicken soup
- drink a lot of tea
- Eating fruit and vegetables
- Cold bath (please do not take in case of fever)
- Potato and curd wraps help with coughs and sore throats
But be careful! Ethereal vapors can cause respiratory distress in babies and infants. It is therefore essential to inhale outside the baby’s reach.
Have a rest!
Relaxing and resting is easier said than done when you have to take care of an infant. Nevertheless, you should make sure that you get as much rest as possible. Also ask friends and family for support – the sooner you are fit again, the better for you and your baby.