Should you breast feed if you have a cold?

Answer 1

Absolutely, you are giving your baby all your immunity, even if he/she catches your cold you will be helping him/her get over it. And if you have a cold, chances are any other adult who cares for your baby will catch it and pass it on even igf you don't feed. The most important thing is for all adults to wash their hands scrupulously before doing anything for the baby.

Answer 2

One of the best things that you can do for your baby is to breastfeed her. Your antibodies are able to pass through the breast milk which protects the baby while she is being breastfeed and help her until her immune system matures. It's important that you continue to breastfeed your baby even when you have a cold. You are actually contagious before you start showing symptoms of a cold so if you stop breastfeeding while you have the cold symptoms, you could have already passed the cold onto your baby. Be sure to get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids (preferably water) when you have a cold. You can talk to a lactation consultant or your doctor if you want to take any medicine - Tylenol is usually safe, but many over the counter remedies are not. You may find that a saline spray or netty pot can help relieve your symptoms. If your baby does come down with the cold, try to relax and continue to breastfeed her. If her nose gets stuffed it may be harder for her to nurse. If that happens, try to pump and offer her the expressed milk.