Even when you’re sick, your breast milk is hard at work. As your body fights off illness, it produces antibodies—special immune protectors—that pass through your milk while breastfeeding and help shield your baby from getting sick too.
Is It Safe To Breastfeed When You’re Sick?
Yes, in most cases. According to the CDC, you can safely breastfeed if you have common illnesses like:
- A cold or the flu
- A sinus infection
- A stomach bug (nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea)
- COVID-19 (with precautions)
Viruses like the flu or COVID-19 don’t pass through breast milk. What does pass through? Antibodies. These help build your baby’s immune defenses.
Can Any Illnesses Be Passed Via Your Breast Milk?
Most illnesses can’t be passed through breast milk. But there are a few exceptions. Some serious infections like untreated tuberculosis, HIV (in countries where safe alternatives are available), and HTLV can be transmitted through milk. If you’re unsure, check with a healthcare provider—they’ll help you weigh the benefits and risks based on your specific situation.
For common illnesses like colds, flu, or a mild fever, breastfeeding is not only safe—it’s encouraged. Your baby is likely already exposed to your germs through close contact. But your milk is packed with antibodies that can help them fight it off or avoid getting sick altogether.
How To Keep Baby Safe While Breastfeeding With The Flu
- Wash your hands before every feeding.
- Wear a mask if you’re coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid kissing your baby on the face.
- Clean any shared surfaces or items like pacifiers and pump parts.
If you’re too sick to nurse, try pumping your milk so someone else can feed it to your baby. That way, your baby still gets the benefits of breast milk, and you get a chance to rest and recover.
Things To Remember If You’re Sick And Breastfeeding
- Stay hydrated to protect your milk supply.
- Lie down and nurse if you’re too tired to sit upright.
- Don’t wean suddenly—it can cause engorgement and increase your risk of mastitis.
- Eat when you can, rest when you can.
- Ask your doctor about meds that are safe while breastfeeding.
Is It Okay To Take Medicine While Breastfeeding?
Most over-the-counter medications are safe, but not all. Here are a few general guidelines:
- Safe: Paracetamol (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil). Antihistamines like Zyrtec (cetirizine) are considered safe and may cause fewer side effects than older allergy meds like Benadryl.
- Use caution: Decongestants like pseudoephedrine may lower milk supply. Always check for ingredients like phenylephrine, guaifenesin, or phenylpropanolamine in cold meds—these can lower supply or affect your baby.
- Avoid: Medications with drowsy side effects, unless advised otherwise
- Natural Remedies: Natural remedies like warm teas, honey, steam inhalation, and extra rest can ease symptoms safely while you’re breastfeeding—just be sure to double-check any herbs or supplements with your healthcare provider.
If you’re unsure, ask a doctor or pharmacist. If your baby was born prematurely or has a medical condition, it’s especially important to check before taking anything new.
Should You Breastfeed A Sick Baby?
Yes, in most cases. Breast milk can be especially soothing and nourishing when your baby isn’t feeling well. It keeps them hydrated, provides comfort, and gives their immune system a boost.
If your baby is too tired or uncomfortable to nurse, try offering smaller, more frequent feedings. Different nursing positions or feeding expressed milk may also help. If your baby can’t feed at all, contact your doctor.
When To Call Your Doctor
There are a few situations where you should reach out to your healthcare provider:
- You have a high fever that lasts more than a couple days
- You’re unsure if a medication is safe
- You develop painful or cracked nipples that may be infected
- You notice a big drop in milk supply that isn’t bouncing back
- You feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed
Your doctor or a lactation consultant can help troubleshoot, adjust medications, or just reassure you that you’re on the right path.
The Bottom Line
Being sick while caring for a baby is tough—but you’re not alone, and you don’t have to choose between your health and your baby’s. In most cases, breastfeeding while sick is not only safe—it’s one of the best things you can do for your little one. Your milk delivers comfort, nutrition, and real immune protection.
So rest when you can. Ask for help. Use safe remedies and stay hydrated. And most of all, trust that your body knows how to care for your baby—even on the hard days.
Resources
- Find a breastfeeding support group near you.
- Milkology Breastfeeding Class – Affordable, video-based online course to help you master breastfeeding at your own pace.
References
- Illnesses or Conditions and Breastfeeding — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2025-01-28). This is the go-to source for whether breastfeeding is safe during various illnesses. It confirms that most common illnesses—including flu, colds, and COVID-19—do not require weaning and that breast milk can protect the baby.
- Human Breast Milk: From Food to Active Immune Protection — Lokossou GAG et al. (2022). This peer-reviewed article explains how breast milk provides immune protection through antibodies, immune cells, and microbiota. It’s perfect to back your claims about breast milk passing on protection when mom is sick.
- Influenza (Flu) and Breastfeeding — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2019). This page specifically discusses flu and breastfeeding. It confirms the virus does not pass through milk, and that nursing should continue with precautions.
