Breastfeeding with Fever – In Most Cases It Is Allowed by Doctors

Many women often have doubts about breastfeeding in case of illness and the presence of fever. First of all, it’s important to clarify that everything will depend on the health issue and its cause (bacteria or virus), it will depend on the type of problem. In most cases of colds, diarrhea, and urinary tract infections, for example, women can breastfeed their baby as usual.

In the case of dengue, the usual medical guideline is that there is no problem and that women may breastfeed even with a fever. Regarding infections by Zika virus and chikungunya, according to WHO (World Health Organization) guidelines, mothers should continue breastfeeding even in a scenario of ongoing scientific research worldwide that does not rule out the possibility of virus transmission through breast milk¹.

Mastitis

If the woman has a case of mastitis, for example, which is characterized by inflammation of the breasts, which is quite common among women, the recommendation is to continue breastfeeding, which even helps with recovery from the issue².

Bacterial Infection and Cold

If a woman gets any type of virus or develops some bacterial infection and needs an antibiotic, it is essential to check with her doctor if she can continue breastfeeding her baby.

In the case of a cold, using a mask may be recommended to prevent transmitting the virus to the child. But it is common for women, even with medical authorization, to prefer to suspend breastfeeding until their health has been restored.

Fever during breastfeeding mainly involves the feeling of malaise and many women, not feeling well, prefer not to breastfeed until they feel completely recovered and healthy again.

Not to mention that breastfeeding is a unique moment, involving eye-to-eye contact and great connection between mother and baby. Many women, when they’re not feeling well due to physical or emotional health issues, prefer not to breastfeed to protect the child out of instinct, besides medical advice.

IMPORTANT: Under no circumstances should a woman self-medicate. It is necessary to inform the doctor about the fever, temperature, and any problems related to the symptom in order to receive precise guidance on whether to continue breastfeeding or not.

Maternal Illnesses – Learn In Which Cases a Woman Can Breastfeed

We’ve listed some health conditions to clarify whether breastfeeding can be continued in these cases:

Anemia

If a woman is being treated for anemia, she does not have to stop breastfeeding, because despite the problem, her milk will still contain important amounts of iron to keep the baby healthy³.

Diabetes

Studies around the world have shown that breastfeeding among diabetic women can benefit the mother’s health. In cases where a woman needs to take insulin, the usual guidance is for her to keep breastfeeding. In some cases, insulin doses may need to be adjusted and reduced⁴.

After Breast Cancer

If a woman has undergone treatment for breast cancer involving chemotherapy, radiotherapy and breast conservation surgery, she can breastfeed normally from the healthy breast. During treatment, it is recommended to stop breastfeeding because the baby could be harmed by the medications.

Epilepsy

Most medicines used to treat epilepsy are compatible with breastfeeding.

Depression

Treating depression does not prevent a woman from breastfeeding, but due to the illness, she may not feel secure in feeding her child. In these cases, psychological and emotional support is extremely important.

Prolactinoma

This condition is marked by the presence of benign tumors in the pituitary gland, which is responsible for the increased production of prolactin. Women diagnosed with this condition can breastfeed naturally, and breastfeeding does not lead to an increase in tumor size⁵.

When Breastfeeding Is Not Allowed

If a woman needs to stop breastfeeding, she can express and discard her milk so as not to jeopardize her milk supply and resume breastfeeding as soon as her health is restored. Currently, most antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections do not prevent breastfeeding.

Fever

Most of the time, a mother with fever can breastfeed, but it is essential to know the underlying health issue and observe the nature of the fever. If a woman has the flu, for example, and—even after seeing her doctor—still has a fever for more than three days, it is ideal to check with her specialist to guarantee there is really no risk for the baby⁶.

In cases of flu and colds, it is important for women to wash their hands thoroughly after sneezing and to turn their face away from the baby to avoid direct contact.

Fever While Breastfeeding – Measures for Treatment

If a woman is feverish, for treatment she can take some measures like wearing lightweight clothes, drinking plenty of water throughout the day, and taking cool to lukewarm showers.

Medications

Most specialists usually prescribe paracetamol and ibuprofen as safe options that can treat fever. Of course, this will depend on the woman’s individual condition and if there are no problems related to the ingredients in the medications.

Natural Remedies

Natural teas are recommended, ingredients like honey, lemon, garlic, mint, among others, are suggested as natural adjuncts to conventional treatment to restore health as soon as possible in cases of infections by viruses or bacteria. Cold compresses on the torso and limbs with a damp towel are also recommended to help bring body temperature back to normal.

See Also: Expressing Breast Milk – How To Do It?

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