It can be frightening when infants get sick, and for good reason. Their immune systems are weak at birth and it takes time for them to develop and mature. Breastfed babies essentially have their mother’s immune system, as breast milk is filled with antibodies and immunity-boosting properties to help infants survive. Breastfeeding can truly save lives.
Breastfeeding not only protects babies from illness by reducing their risk of infection but it also often reduces the severity of the sickness and aids in faster recovery. The mother’s breasts can actually detect even a one degree change in the baby’s body temperature and regulate her milk accordingly to warm up or cool down the nursing child. How cool is that?! When the mother is exposed to a virus or bacteria her body will respond by creating antibodies that transfer through her milk to her baby to help protect the baby from infection. On the flipside, if only the baby is exposed, the mother’s body will detect the virus or bacteria through the baby’s saliva while nursing and will change the composition of the breast milk accordingly. Our bodies are amazing.
Whether breastfeeding or not, cold and flu season causes a bit of anxiety in most mothers. In addition to breastfeeding, the following are some other ways to help prevent your baby from becoming ill:.
Ensure your baby has plenty of opportunity for quality sleep. Both naps and nighttime sleep are super important for babies.
Get outside! Spending time outdoors is good for the immune system.
Wash toys often. One of the ways babies learn about objects is by putting them in their mouths. This is even more heightened when they are teething. Keeping toys clean and germ-free helps reduce the risk of illness.
Be aware of what your baby is touching when out and about and take precautions such as washing hands and objects.
Kindly ask people who are sick to avoid getting close to your baby and touching his/her face and hands.
If your baby is in childcare, the best thing you can do to help your baby’s body fight the many germs they will come in contact with include: breastfeeding when you are together; spending a few minutes in your baby’s childcare room before heading to work/school so you have exposure to some of the germs and your body can start to take action; if possible, go to the childcare during your lunch break to breastfeed, or pump at your place of work and send that fresh milk to childcare the following day; nurse as soon as you are back together with your baby.
Practice good hygiene and get as much rest and nutrition as you can to keep yourself healthy so you don’t spread infection to your baby.
Unfortunately, even with the best preventative care, babies still can fall ill. Below are some things to keep in mind if/when your baby gets sick:
Nurse! Nurse! Nurse! Nurse your baby back to health. Remember, breast milk not only meets all of your baby’s nutritional needs but it ‘s also boosting their immune system and working to fight off the sickness all while keeping your baby hydrated. Breast milk is the most easily digested food for babies so even if they have diarrhea or are throwing up, breast milk is still the very best thing for them. Many nursing moms can attest to the fact that when their nursling (of any age) won’t eat or drink anything else, they will still nurse and that’s what keeps them hydrated and nourished. Watch your baby closely for signs of dehydration and contact your doctor right away if you have concerns.
Prioritize caring for your baby and let other tasks go. The dishes and unnecessary laundry can sit for another day.
Try skin to skin. Many babies feel calmer when they are skin to skin with their mother. Bonus, they are likely to nurse more often if they have easy access to the breast.
Observe your baby closely for sleep cues. Often babies will go back to a newborn- style pattern of sleeping and nursing when they are sick and often they just want to be held while they nap.
Not nursing anymore but still have some breast milk that hasn’t expired in your freezer? Thaw some and give it to your baby for an extra immune boost. Leftover colostrum is great for this as it is jam-packed with a large immunity-boost.
Consult your child’s pediatrician before giving any over-the-counter medications.
If your baby has a fever at bedtime, dress him/her in a light cotton sleepsack and onesie to avoid overheating.
When the illness subsides, be sure to wash your baby’s bedding, clothing and toys to get rid of sick germs and consider opening the windows to air out the house for a bit.
Breastfeeding mothers often wonder if they should continue to nurse their babies when they themselves get sick. The answer is yes! Your baby has already been exposed to the bacteria or virus prior to your symptoms becoming noticeable so it has already started creating antibodies to pass onto your baby through your milk. The best way to protect your baby is to continue nursing as you are able. If you are unable to nurse, try to pump or hand express as often as your baby typically nurses so the milk can be fed to your baby and your body knows to continue making milk. It’s really important to stay well-hydrated as sometimes mothers notice a drop in supply when they are sick. Rest assured, with adequate hydration, nutrition and breastfeeding management (i.e. frequent nursing or pumping), your supply should return in due course. If you are concerned about your supply, or are hospitalized, and need guidance on continuing to breastfeed and/or feeding your baby while you are away, reach out to a lactation professional for personal assistance! A common question moms have is what medication is safe to use when breastfeeding. There are many medications that are considered safe for nursing moms to take but there are some that can be a problem either for the baby or the mother’s milk supply, so always inquire before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medication. The most up-to-date resource for medication safety while breastfeeding is the InfantRisk Center. Mothers can call directly, or with their provider, to seek guidance on specific medications. https://www.infantrisk.com
Caring for a sick baby, and caring for a baby while sick is tough! Get support when you can, prioritize rest and caring for your baby and yourself, stay hydrated and well-nourished and nurse on! You will get through this.
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