If you are curious about a mother who has a fever, is it okay to breastfeed, the answer is of course okay. Instead, the mother is producing antibodies.
Feeling sick is the last thing that is expected to happen to a nursing mother. There is a baby who is in need of 24 hour attention. If you are curious about a mother who has a fever, is it okay to breastfeed, the answer is certainly yes Instead, the mother is producing antibodies.
But of course not all diseases get the green light for breastfeeding. In some cases, there are times when the mother is not advised to give breast milk directly because of the potential for infection.
Fever due to flu
One of the most common causes of fever is the flu. You can still breastfeed normally because this virus will not be transmitted through breast milk. Even interestingly, your little one can get protection from breast milk because there are antibodies in it.
But of course, the mother also needs to see the condition of her body. If it is not possible to breastfeed directly, then expressing breastmilk is also not a problem.
In addition, there is nothing wrong with giving formula milk when the mother does not allow direct breastfeeding.
Fever due to digestive problems
How uncomfortable it is when the mother feels nausea, vomiting, and even diarrhea. But again, the good news is that viruses that attack digestion will not be transmitted through breast milk.
Just like a cold caused by flu, babies can actually get antibodies that can protect themselves. This is supported by the many findings that giving breast milk to babies reduces their risk of developing gastrointestinal infections.
However, the rules remain the same. If your body is too weak to breastfeed, don’t force it. Whenever there is time to rest, do it. Don’t forget to provide your body with nutrients by consuming nutritious foods and lots of fluids.
Fever due to COVID-19
What about the fever caused by the virus that triggers the global pandemic, COVID-19? Research has found that the antibodies in breast milk can also provide passive immunity to babies. All can be realized only by breastfeeding.
According to the study, the antibodies in breast milk are cross-reactive. This means that they can fight the components of the SARS-CoV-2 virus thanks to breast milk from mothers who suffer from COVID-19.
Indeed, research around this is still limited. However, there are so many studies in progress. If all are proven to find similar results, it means that breastfeeding alone can provide protection for the baby.
If there is a concern that your child will be infected as a result of breastfeeding directly? According to the data collected, the likelihood of this happening is very small.
However, it is still important to carry out independent isolation and temporarily separate activities from your little one. This is crucial in order to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to babies, especially newborns.
For breastfeeding mothers who are still breastfeeding directly, make sure to wash their hands more often. Always use a mask and change it regularly. Disinfect all items that come in direct contact with you, the baby, and also the breast.
Take medication and breastfeed
There are many recommendations for drugs that are safe for breastfeeding mothers to still be able to provide breast milk directly. However, there are also several types of drugs that affect breast milk. The impact on babies also varies.
To be sure, don’t hesitate to start consulting your doctor about what drug options are safe. Moreover, the conditions of each individual can be different. What is safe and tolerable by one person may not necessarily apply to another.
Also, keep in mind that when you are sick, your milk supply may decrease. You become dehydrated more easily and need more fluid intake. Not to mention that the pain that causes no appetite is very likely to have an effect on milk production.
Some types of drugs such as antihistamines can also cause breast milk to dry faster. To compensate, multiply the portion of the meal both frequency and portion.
If the mother does not allow direct breastfeeding, allocate time to express the milk. This can help keep milk production stable. Even when production decreases, don’t make it a stressful thought. Through adaptation or power pumping, milk production can return to normal.
Pain for which breastfeeding is not recommended
After discussing about a mother with a fever, is it okay to breastfeed, it should be noted that there are several medical conditions that breastfeeding is not recommended. Primarily, those who have been diagnosed with L.
- HIV
- Ebola virus
- T-cell lymphotropic virus (type 1 or type 2)
- Brucellosis (rare bacterial infection)
The above conditions are very likely to be transmitted to the baby through breast milk. This is different from ailments such as fever or digestive problems. Consult with your doctor about the right solution.