Can I Safely Breastfeed While I Am Sick?
Hey mama,
Kaitlyn here — your Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) with RF Women’s Wellness. I’m popping in to answer a question I get all the time, especially this time of year:
“Can I safely breastfeed my baby or give expressed milk when I’m sick?”
The short and reassuring answer is: yes.
And I want you to take a deep breath right now if this has been weighing on you.
Breastfeeding While Sick Is Usually Safe — and Encouraged
For common illnesses like colds, the flu, or even COVID, it is generally safe — and actually encouraged — to continue breastfeeding, pumping, or hand expressing.
Here’s the really amazing part:
Most of the time, your body starts producing antibodies before you even show symptoms. Those antibodies travel directly through your breast milk to your baby, giving them extra protection and helping build their immune system.
Honestly? That still blows my mind every time.
Extra Precautions Are a Personal Choice
Some mamas choose to take extra precautions, like:
Wearing a mask while feeding
Washing hands more frequently
Cleaning pump parts extra carefully
All of that is completely okay — and totally up to you. There’s no “right” or “wrong” here. What matters most is that you feel comfortable and supported.
Keep Removing Milk to Protect Your Supply
One really important thing to remember:
If you stop removing milk while you’re sick, you can increase your risk of:
A drop in milk supply
Clogged ducts
Mastitis
And trust me — being sick plus dealing with that is not what anyone needs.
So even if you’re resting more, continue feeding, pumping, or hand expressing as you normally would.
When to Seek Additional Guidance
This guidance applies to common illnesses. There are rare or serious conditions where breastfeeding may not be recommended, such as:
Untreated maternal HIV
Ebola
Active lesions on the breast
In those situations, it’s important to seek personalized guidance from your healthcare provider so you can make the safest choice for you and your baby.
A Final Word for You
If you’re breastfeeding while sick, I want you to hear this clearly:
You are doing an incredible job.
Showing up on hard days, nourishing your baby, and caring for yourself all at once is no small thing. Please give yourself permission to rest, hydrate, and accept help where you can.
I’m proud of you — and I’m always here to support you.
If you ever need reassurance, guidance, or a personalized plan, you can book a free consult with us at RF Women’s Wellness. You don’t have to navigate this alone.