When a nursing mother is infected with the flu virus, there are many doubts that arise around breastfeeding. Can I continue breastfeeding? Can I infect my baby? These doubts make some mothers consider interrupting breastfeeding, but there is no reason to do so. In fact, it is recommended to continue doing so.
The flu virus is not transmitted through breast milk and the antibodies generated by the mother's organism to fight the flu virus are beneficial for the baby. So, continuing breastfeeding is the best option.
Flu and breastfeeding
We have talked on occasion about how to breastfeed when the baby is ill, but what happens when it is mom who has caught the flu.
We consult the website e-lactation, to know the compatibility of the influenza virus with breastfeeding and risk level is very low. And specifies:
Disease caused by any of the three types of influenza viruses, A, B and C. Type A has several subtypes: H1N1, H1N2, H2N2, H3N2, H5N1 ...
It is contagious one day before symptoms appear, hence the inutiiity of separating mother and infant. It is not indicated to separate newborns from their mothers either (Sendelbach 2012, Cantey 2013).
The flu, both in the mother and in the infant, is compatible with breastfeeding. The interruption of breastfeeding aggravates the risk of infection and the severity of infection in the infant.
Most antiviral treatments used in the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza (amantadine, oseltamivir, zanamivir) are compatible with breastfeeding although amantadine could reduce milk production (see their respective sheets).
When breastfeeding it is advisable to wash hands and cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, or putting on a mask.
Even when the mother is taking medication to fight the disease, it is advisable to maintain breastfeeding. Almost everything that is prescribed is compatible with breastfeeding. When in doubt, you can check the e-lactation website.
It is possible for your baby to become infected if you have become infected because you can do it without knowing it before the disease manifests itself, through kisses, air, saliva or contact with surfaces that might be infected. If the baby gets the flu, Antibodies that have reached through your milk will help protect against disease.
Avoid spreading the baby
For its part, it is convenient for the mother to take certain precautions to prevent, as far as possible, the spread of the baby:
- Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough (preferably with your arm and not with your hand)
- Wash your hands often, especially before breastfeeding
- Use tissues
- Getting vaccinated against the flu in pregnancy: the vaccine will protect the mother and the baby during the first months of life.
- Wear masks
