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

Whether it's flu-like symptoms or a fever, a new mother may wonder whether to continue breastfeeding during a feverish episode.

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

Lors d’un épisode de fièvre, l’allaitement au quotidien du bébé peut être poursuivi sans problème. La fièvre n’est pas une contre-indication pour maintenir l’allaitement, au contraire !

Take care mama

Avoir de la fièvre n’est pas une contre-indication pour l’allaitement, au contraire. L’allaitement va permettre de protéger votre bébé.

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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Discover

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

Did you know?

Lorsque vous êtes malade pendant l’allaitement, vous transmettez via le lait maternel des facteurs protecteurs tels que des anticorps à votre bébé !

Knowing which medications are compatible with breastfeeding

Taking care of your diet to recover more quickly

A few tips

Allez voir votre médecin
Demandez des médicaments compatibles allaitement
Montrez-lui les ressources du CRAT
Prenez soin de vous (mangez sainement et hydratez-vous !)

In conclusion

Dans la majorité des cas de maladies de la maman, le maintien de l’allaitement de son bébé est possible voire encouragé !

Dans tous les cas, il ne faut pas hésiter à demander des conseils à son médecin, à vérifier la température de son enfant, et évidemment ne pas se lancer dans l'automédication. Vous pouvez prendre un complément alimentaire compatible allaitement pour soutenir votre immunité, avec de la vitamine C par exemple.

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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.