Breastfeeding When You Are Sick {#BFBlogHop}

March 11, 2011.  The first time I was sick after Charis was born {other than the time I has mastitis}. I was at work and started feeling sick around 10:00 AM, took Tylenol, and attempted to get through my shift before telling the charge nurse I NEEDED to go home.  Thankfully, Drew was off work and could watch Charis. Even though I did not feel like nursing my daughter, I breastfed her even though I was sick.


Tips for breastfeeding when you are sick:

If you have a common illness, such as a cold, flu, stomach bug, etc., you should still breastfeed. Your child has been exposed to your virus already and breast milk has wonderful antibodies to protect your baby from getting sick.

If you're able to, have help. Every time I was sick, I was blessed to have Drew at home with me.  I'd be in bed sleeping and if Charis needed to eat, he'd bring her in to be nursed.

Breastfeed lying down.  I was able to still fall asleep and get rest when I breastfed Charis.

If you're taking medications, make sure it's safe to take with breastfeeding.

Remember drink fluids and try to eat.

Try to keep at least one frozen meal in the freezer for those times you're sick.

Have you ever been sick while breastfeeding?

What tips would you give?