Fever and Breastfeeding: what should you do?

Contents

01
Will I pass on infection to my baby if I have a fever while breastfeeding?
02
What precautions should be taken in the event of a fever whilst breastfeeding?
03
In conclusion

Flu-like symptoms or a fever spike — a new mum may wonder whether to continue breastfeeding during a feverish episode.

Will I pass the illness on to my baby? Is my milk still as beneficial for my baby? Are there any precautions to take when breastfeeding?

During a fever episode, everyday breastfeeding of the baby can be continued without issue. Fever is not a contraindication to maintaining breastfeeding — quite the opposite!

Take care mama

Having a fever is not a contraindication to breastfeeding, quite the opposite. Breastfeeding will help protect your baby.

Will I pass on infection to my baby if I have a fever while breastfeeding?

In many illnesses (flu, Covid, etc.), a mother may be contagious even before the first symptoms or fever appear.

Since mother and baby are always in contact, the baby is, in most cases, already exposed to the virus. Stopping breastfeeding is not necessary, and may even be inadvisable. Interrupting breastfeeding at the moment when the baby most needs the antibodies and other anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory substances in breast milk is counterproductive. These factors protect infants against infection and reduce the severity of symptoms even if they go on to develop the illness themselves. A rhinitis is one of the best examples of an illness during which it is preferable to continue breastfeeding [1].

Continuing to breastfeed can allow the baby to benefit from the antibodies produced by the mother and passed on through breast milk [2]. These antibodies present in the milk will help the child to fight infection more effectively, or simply to avoid becoming ill themselves. See also our articles on breast milk and immunity and Covid and breastfeeding.

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What precautions should be taken in the event of a fever whilst breastfeeding?

Did you know?

When you are ill during breastfeeding, you pass protective factors such as antibodies to your baby through your breast milk!

Knowing which medications are compatible with breastfeeding

Taking care of your diet to recover more quickly

A few tips

See your doctor
Ask for medication that is compatible with breastfeeding
Show them the CRAT resources
Take care of yourself (eat healthily and stay hydrated!)

In conclusion

In the vast majority of cases of maternal illness, continuing to breastfeed is possible and even encouraged!

In all cases, do not hesitate to seek advice from your doctor, check your child's temperature, and of course avoid self-medicating. You can take a breastfeeding-compatible food supplement to support your immune system, with vitamin C for example.

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Author

Carole Hervé

IBCLC lactation consultant, author and trainer

Certified IBCLC lactation consultant, Carole Hervé has been supporting mothers for over 10 years. Author of the books My Personalised Breastfeeding Journey (Albin Michel), Choosing to Breastfeed (First) and Breastfeeding for Dummies (First), she works to make breastfeeding more accessible and more peaceful through clear information and compassionate support.