It is not uncommon for adults to catch the flu or cold during winter. As you go about your day-to-day activities, there is a high likelihood that you will come into contact with people who are sick. The best way to prevent an infection is by maintaining good personal hygiene and practicing safe habits. However, if you do get infected, the last thing on your mind would be breastfeeding your baby. Read on to find out more about how to breastfeed your baby when you have the flu and a cold.
What is a Cold and What is the Difference Between a Cold and the Flu?
Both colds and flu happen as a result of viruses. Cold is an illness caused by the rhinovirus while the flu is caused by flu viruses. Both, a cold and the flu, can be acute or chronic conditions, but they cause similar symptoms. The symptoms depend on which type of virus you have contracted, but the most common include runny nose, cough, sore throat, sneezing, headache, fever, muscle pain, and fatigue. While the flu comes on suddenly and peaks within 2-3 days, a cold is slow to develop and lasts for about 10 days.
The flu is more serious as it can cause bacterial infections such as pneumonia, but a cold rarely does. Some babies are more likely to get sick than others, and it is important to watch out for symptoms of sickness. When breastfeeding your baby, it is important to remember that babies are more vulnerable to infections. They have yet to build up immunity, and breastfeeding can increase the risk of getting sick.
How to Breastfeed Your Baby When You Have Cold
The best way to breastfeed your baby when you have a cold is to begin by treating the infection. The sooner you begin taking medications and antibiotics, the faster you will recover. For mild to moderate colds and flu, a few over-the-counter medicines should be enough to get you better. However, more serious infections require antibiotics which may affect the benefits of breastfeeding. It is important to consider the risks of breastfeeding when you are taking certain medications.
- Stay well hydrated: Dehydration can make any infection worse and lead to complications. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water or herbal tea throughout the day.
- Get plenty of rest: Infections are usually more severe during the first few days. Make sure you get enough rest to get better faster.
- Avoid crowds: Avoid visiting crowded places to avoid exposing yourself to germs.
- Protect your baby: Make sure your baby is protected from your germs by wearing a mask and washing your hands frequently to prevent the infection from spreading.
- Eat well: Eat a healthy diet with plenty of protein and vitamins to boost your immune system.
Ways to Make Breastfeeding Easier When You Have the Flu
Breastfeeding your baby while you have the flu is not easy. However, a few ways can help you make breastfeeding easier.
- Take a break: If you feel that breastfeeding is too difficult, take a break until you feel better.
- Take care of yourself: Stay hydrated, eat well, and rest as much as possible to recover faster.
- Stay hydrated: Dehydration can make any infection worse and lead to complications.
- Eat well: Eat a healthy diet with plenty of protein and vitamins to boost your immune system.
- Avoid medications that may reduce breast milk production: Be careful about the medications you take. Some antibiotics reduce milk production, so choose alternative medications.
- Keep your baby away from your germs: Your baby can easily catch your germs from touching toys, bedding, and clothing. Make sure you wash your hands and keep your baby away from your belongings.
- Breastfeed your baby often: Frequent breastfeeding can help maintain your milk supply even when you are sick.
- Use a nursing pillow: This will help you position your baby comfortable even when you are weak and tired.
- Express your milk regularly: You can reduce the risk of a breast infection by expressing milk regularly.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding is one of the best ways to feed your baby, and it is important to keep doing it when you have the flu or a cold. If you feel that breastfeeding is becoming too difficult, take a break until you feel better. Take care of yourself by getting enough rest, drinking plenty of water, and eating well. Stay hydrated, take medications as prescribed, and protect your baby from your germs to make breastfeeding easier.
