Although the flu during breastfeeding can be a worry for mothers, taking some basic precautions can help you get through this period easily. The most basic thing a breastfeeding mother can do if she gets the flu is to take precautions and continue breastfeeding her baby. Therefore , breastfeeding mothers should continue breastfeeding even if they are sick, but they should also take the precautions to protect their baby. So, what should breastfeeding mothers do when they have the flu and what precautions can be taken? We answered the questions about getting the flu while breastfeeding.
Getting the flu while breastfeeding
You are experiencing one of the best periods of your life when you are breastfeeding your baby regularly throughout the day. It is normal to be worried when flu outbreaks start as the weather gets colder. Getting the flu while breastfeeding worries many mothers. You should know that no viruses or germs are passed from breast milk to the baby. Therefore, all you need to do is take some precautions against contamination and continue breastfeeding. In the meantime, take good care of yourself and get well as soon as possible. So, what should a breastfeeding mom do if she gets the flu?
What should a nursing mother do if she gets the flu?
Mothers may worry about their little babies when they have the flu. The fear of passing the flu virus to the baby through milk is frightening. But many studies show that this is not the case. Your baby can get the flu from your hands, mouth and nose, but not from your milk. Therefore, there is no harm in breastfeeding. But there are some things you should pay attention to. So, what should mothers who get the flu while breastfeeding pay attention to?
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Wash Your Hands!
In fact, whether you have the flu or not, you should always wash your hands before breastfeeding your baby. Cleaning hands with soap and water prevents possible viruses and germs from reaching the baby. Always wash your hands before breastfeeding, before hugging your baby, before and after changing diapers.
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Use a Mask!
Always wear a mask when hugging, breastfeeding, feeding, changing diapers or even when you are in the same room with your baby. This way you can protect your baby from the flu infection you have.
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Change your clothes often!
Your clothes can also carry your sweat and particles from your mouth. The residence time of viruses in clothing, i.e. in fabric, is short, but precautions may be necessary. Changing your clothes frequently is a good and powerful precaution. It is also good for you to wear clean clothes all the time.
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Ventilate the Environment!
Ventilate your baby’s room or the room where you spend time with your baby often. Ventilating the environment means more oxygen and prevents viruses from remaining in the environment. If possible, you can also use air purifiers. Especially if you are in the winter season and in regions where winter weather conditions are harsh, you can get support from air purifier technology.
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Do Not Use Air Conditioner!
If you have the flu in summer, if possible, do not use air conditioning or bring your baby into a room with air conditioning. The aim here is not to prevent the baby from catching a cold, but to protect the baby from the air conditioner’s mechanism of constantly circulating the polluted air in the environment. We see that new generation air conditioning technologies provide effective solutions in this regard. However, it is useful to be cautious.
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No kissing
It will be hard to stop kissing your baby, but you may have to put up with it for a while. Do not kiss him or her to avoid infecting him or her.
If a Breastfeeding Mother Gets Influenza, Will It Pass to the Baby?
Breastfeeding provides breast milk, which is your baby’s main nutritional need, especially for the first six months. The World Health Organization says that mothers should breastfeed their babies, especially for the first six months. It is important to continue breastfeeding until the age of one, if possible. It isalso not possible to worry about whether a breastfeeding mother’s fever will be passed on to the baby .
what should a nursing mother drink if she has the flu?
What to do and what to drink or eat when a nursing mother has the flu depends on the advice of a specialist. However, drinking plenty of water is a classic measure that will give you a lot of relief. Traditional remedies such as linden, sage, honey and lemon hot drink can also be soothing. It may be necessary to research the active ingredients of herbal teas and consult your health professional. It is also very relaxing to be able to take a warm shower despite having the flu. Fish, seasonal vegetables and fruits with high antioxidant content can also help you regain your strength. A balanced diet is very important during this period. Vitamin supplements should not be taken without consulting a doctor.
Which Medicine Can Breastfeeding Mothers Take When They Have the Flu?
A breastfeeding mother with the flu may also be concerned about whether medication is suitable for her. It is important to know that if necessary, you can use antiviral medication on doctor’s advice. These are common medicines used to treat influenza. They do not have a negative effect on breastfeeding. However, it should be emphasized that you should not take the medication without a doctor’s advice. The doctor will know the active ingredients and effects of the medicines and will give you the appropriate choice.
Pay Attention to These to Avoid Flu During Breastfeeding!
In summer, air conditioners and sweating, in winter cold air and viruses can cause flu or colds. Flu during pregnancy and flu during breastfeeding are also common complaints. So, how should those who have flu during breastfeeding behave and what should they pay attention to? Before answering this question in detail, let’s focus on some suggestions to avoid flu during sensitive periods such as breastfeeding.
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Avoid Crowds
Avoid crowded places unless absolutely necessary. Recognize that there is always a risk of infection in crowded, especially closed environments and avoid them if possible.
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Pay Attention to Hand Hygiene
You should always wash your hands thoroughly with soap every time you come home from work. This will reduce the risk of possible viruses and infections. You can also wipe your hands with wet wipes or use hand sanitizer from time to time when you are out and about.
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Use a Mask if Necessary
Sometimes you may have to be in crowded places. For example, you may need to go to a crowded hospital or you may have to wait in a bank. Meetings such as mawlid, birthdays, tooth wheat are also environments where you will be exposed to crowds. You can wear a mask in these environments.
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Keep Your Distance
Avoid hugging and kissing when meeting relatives, friends, extended family members, neighbors or colleagues. This is because flu is a contagious disease and is transmitted through close contact. Even if you are isolated while you are on breastfeeding leave, your partner may be in contact with many people outside. You can therefore ask him to wash his hands when he comes home. You should also avoid shaking hands, kissing, hugging and sitting too close to other people, at least during this period.
Tips to Help You Get Over the Flu Fast While Breastfeeding
Taking some simple precautions can protect you from the flu. On the other hand, being attentive in some areas can also help you get through the process faster. So, what are they?
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Drink plenty of water
Drinking two to two and a half liters of water a day will help you beat illness and increase your milk supply. So fill your flask and drink often.
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Get Support from Herbal Teas
It is not recommended to drink every herbal tea. Therefore, consult your health professional. But you can usually benefit from traditional relaxing drinks such as sage, linden, hot water with honey, mint and lemon.
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Make a Doctor’s Examination Important
If you have a cold, flu or flu, make sure you go to the doctor for a medical examination. This is because the doctor can help you get through the process faster by drawing up an appropriate treatment plan. He or she can also inform you about issues to be considered during breastfeeding.
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Don’t Lack Sleep
It is hard not to lose sleep with a small baby at home, but you should still try to sleep with the help of your partner or relatives. Lack of sleep can wear you out during this period. Expressing your milk and keeping it in breast milk storage bags in the fridge or freezer can also help. This way, other members of the household can give breast milk to your baby with a bottle when you are tired .
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Eat Well
It is very important to eat well in case of illnesses that target the body’s immune system, such as the flu. So how can breastfeeding mothers strengthen their immune system? With a baby at home, you may not have time to prepare all that food. Ordering takeout, asking relatives for help, or using simple recipes to make quick and easy but powerful menus can make your job easier.
When you have the flu while breastfeeding, relax and focus on getting through it calmly without stress or anxiety.
Get well soon..