Introduction
The lactation period is a special phase for both the mother and the newborn baby. Breastfeeding also has many positive effects on the baby’s health. But what should you do if you catch a cold during the breastfeeding period?
Whether or not you should breastfeed depends greatly on the mother’s condition.
- For mild colds, breastfeeding even helps the newborn baby to protect itself against the viruses. During the breastfeeding process, the baby receives so-called borrowed immunity from the mother.
- It is better not to breastfeed with a real flu or even pneumonia. Here the danger for the child through transmission of the germ is very high.
Can I breastfeed with a cold?
In the case of a simple cold, there is no reason why the mother should not continue to breastfeed. To reduce the risk of transmission to the baby, a mouthguard can be worn during the breastfeeding process. In addition, the hands should be washed thoroughly before contact with the baby.
A hand disinfectant from the pharmacy is also recommended. Regular hand disinfection can further reduce the risk of transmission. The mother transmits the so-called “nest protection” (borrowed immunity) to the baby with her breast milk.
These are antibodies of the mother against various pathogens, including cold pathogens, which also protect the child. Since the baby does not have its own mature immune system in the first months of life, this nest protection is very important for protection against pathogens. In case of a real influenza flu, however, the mother should refrain from breastfeeding for the time being and consult a doctor.
Signs of such a flu are high fever, severe muscle and limb pain and a pronounced feeling of illness. People who have not been vaccinated should be particularly attentive to such symptoms during the winter months. Influenza flu can be very dangerous for babies.
