When YOU Get Sick: Why You Should Keep Breastfeeding (And How to Do It)
It's 2 AM and you're awake with a pounding headache, body aches, and a fever. Your baby stirs and wants to nurse. And in that moment, you might wonder: Should I even be doing this right now?
The short answer? Yes. Absolutely yes.
If you're sick and breastfeeding, I want you to know what's actually happening when you continue to nurse through your illness. Because it's not just about getting through another feeding. It's about giving your baby the most powerful protection they could possibly have right now.
Your Body Is Already Making Medicine for Your Baby
Here's what many people don't realize: by the time you're feeling symptoms, your baby has already been exposed to whatever you have. You've been breathing the same air, touching the same surfaces, and holding them close for days before you even knew you were getting sick.
But here's the incredible part—your body knew before you did.
Your immune system has already been working to identify the pathogen and create specific antibodies to fight it. And every single time you nurse, you're delivering those custom-made antibodies directly to your baby through your milk.
You're not just feeding your baby. You're vaccinating them in real time.
Why Continuing to Breastfeed While Sick Is Protective
When you nurse while sick, your milk composition changes to provide enhanced immune support for your baby:
Increased antibodies: Your milk is loaded with immunoglobulin A (IgA) that coats your baby's respiratory and digestive tracts, preventing the virus or bacteria from taking hold.
Elevated white blood cells: The leukocyte count in your milk increases dramatically when you're fighting illness, giving your baby an army of infection-fighting cells.
Antimicrobial compounds: Lactoferrin, lysozyme, and other protective factors ramp up to help your baby's immune system work more efficiently.
Hydration and nutrition: If your baby does get sick, breast milk is easier to digest than formula or solid foods, keeping them nourished even when nothing else will stay down.
Stopping breastfeeding when you're sick would actually remove your baby's best defense against getting ill themselves—or at least reduce the severity if they do catch what you have.
What About Medications?
This is where it gets tricky, and I completely understand the concern. You want to feel better, but you also want to protect your milk supply and keep your baby safe.
Medications to avoid while breastfeeding:
Oral decongestants (pseudoephedrine can significantly decrease milk supply)
Older antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) in high doses
Aspirin (linked to Reye's syndrome in infants)
Codeine (can cause serious breathing problems in some babies)
Generally safe options include:
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for fever and pain
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for inflammation and discomfort
Saline nasal spray
Steamy showers
Honey and lemon (if you're not vegan)
That said, I'm not your provider and every situation is different. Always check with your doctor, midwife, or pediatrician before taking any medication while breastfeeding. You can also look up specific medications on LactMed, a trusted database from the National Institutes of Health.
I know you want to feel better fast—and you deserve relief. The good news is there are usually breastfeeding-compatible options that will help you recover while keeping your supply strong and baby safe.There are usually breastfeeding-compatible options—you just need to ask.
Taking Care of Yourself While Sick and Breastfeeding
I'm not going to sugarcoat this: being sick while caring for a baby is brutal. You feel awful, you're exhausted, and your baby still needs you every few hours (or more).
But taking care of yourself isn't optional right now. Your body is working double-time—fighting infection AND making milk. Here's what you need to prioritize:
Rest as much as humanly possible. Sleep when baby sleeps. Let the dishes sit. Lower your standards for everything that isn't essential. Your body needs that energy to heal.
Hydrate constantly. You're losing fluids through fever, and you need extra water to maintain your milk supply. Keep a water bottle within reach at all times. Herbal tea, broth, and electrolyte drinks count too.
Eat when you can. Your body needs fuel to make milk and fight off illness. Don't worry about eating perfectly balanced meals right now—just eat whatever sounds good and stays down.
Wash your hands frequently. Before every feeding, after blowing your nose, after using the bathroom. Hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to reduce transmission to your baby.
Accept help. If someone offers to bring you food, hold the baby while you shower, or run an errand—say yes. This is not the time to be a hero.
Should You Wear a Mask While Nursing?
You don't need to wear a mask while breastfeeding. By the time you have symptoms, your baby has already been exposed—and they're now getting protective antibodies through your milk.
Washing your hands before feeding and avoiding coughing or sneezing directly on your baby are more practical (and less stressful) than trying to nurse with a mask on.
What If Your Baby Wants to Nurse More?
If your baby suddenly wants to cluster feed while you're sick, let them. They're not being difficult—they're instinctively seeking extra antibodies and comfort.
Cluster feeding serves multiple purposes when you're ill:
Delivers a steady stream of immune factors to your baby
Keeps them hydrated and nourished
Provides comfort and security during a stressful time for both of you
May actually help you heal faster by stimulating your immune response
Room in with your baby if possible. Keeping them close makes nighttime feedings easier when you're completely wiped out, and it allows you to respond to their needs without dragging yourself out of bed repeatedly.
Your Milk Supply Might Dip—And That's Okay
It's common for milk supply to temporarily decrease when you're sick, especially if you have a high fever or you're not eating and drinking enough.
Don't panic. This is usually temporary.
Focus on staying hydrated, resting, and nursing frequently. Your supply will typically bounce back once you're feeling better. If you're concerned about supply after you've recovered, reach out for support—but in the moment, just focus on getting through each day.
You're Doing Something Extraordinary
When you're exhausted and achy and all you want is to sleep for 12 hours straight, it's hard to feel like you're doing anything special.
But mama, your body is doing something incredible right now.
While you're fighting off illness, you're simultaneously creating custom immune protection for your baby. Every time you nurse, you're giving them antibodies they can't get anywhere else. You're keeping them hydrated, comforted, and protected.
Your milk is medicine. And even when you feel your absolute worst, your body knows exactly what your baby needs.
When to Reach Out for Help
If you're struggling with any of the following, please don't hesitate to get support:
Concern about medication safety while breastfeeding
Significant drop in milk supply that doesn't recover
Difficulty positioning or latching due to body aches
Mastitis symptoms (painful red area on breast, flu-like symptoms)
Feeling completely overwhelmed and burnt out
You don't have to figure this out alone. Whether you need reassurance that you're doing this right or practical strategies for nursing while sick, support is available.
Hang in there. Rest when you can, hydrate constantly, and trust that your body already knows what to do. You're giving your baby exactly what they need—even when you're running on empty.