World Breastfeeding Week 2026: Breastfeeding During Fever, Cough And Cold — Should Mothers Continue?

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It starts the way it always does: a scratchy throat on Tuesday, a fever by Wednesday, and a newborn who still needs to feed every two hours regardless. For a new mother, falling sick can trigger a second layer of worry: is it safe to keep breastfeeding, or could she be passing the infection on through her milk?

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, illnesses such as the flu cannot be passed to an infant through breast milk, so mothers who are unwell should continue to breastfeed, since the milk carries antibodies and other immune-boosting compounds for the baby. This World Breastfeeding Week - observed globally from 1 to 7 August - that reassurance is worth repeating loudly, because it is one of the most common questions new mothers ask. Dr Nisha A Naik, Consultant - OBG, Manipal Hospital, Goa, explains why continuing to feed is usually the safer choice, not the riskier one, and what precautions mothers should take while they recover.

Why A Mother's Illness Doesn't Mean She Has To Stop

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"When a mother is exposed to a virus, her body gets to work producing antibodies to fight it off - and those antibodies travel straight into her breast milk. This strengthens the baby's own immune defences and lowers the risk of the infant developing a severe form of the same illness," explained Dr Naik.

There is also a timing detail most mothers don't realise: by the point symptoms show up, the baby has usually already been exposed to the virus at home. Stopping the feed at that stage doesn't protect the infant - it simply takes away the antibody-rich milk that could help the baby fight it off.

Mothers pass on protective antibodies to their babies through breastfeeding, helping protect against a range of infectious illnesses, including the flu, because antibodies form whenever the immune system is exposed to or fights a disease. "Common illnesses - a cold, viral fever, sore throat, influenza, or a mild chest infection - are not, on their own, reasons to wean or pause feeding. Breast milk stays safe and nutritious through all of these," noted Dr Naik.

Keeping The Baby Safe While The Mother Recovers

The illness itself isn't the risk - the respiratory droplets are. Dr Naik recommends a few simple precautions to reduce the chance of passing on the infection while breastfeeding continues as normal:

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• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching the baby or expressing milk.
• Wear a mask while feeding if coughing or sneezing.
• Cover the mouth and nose with a tissue or the elbow, never bare hands, while coughing or sneezing.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces and maintain general hygiene around the baby.
• Rest, hydrate, and eat well - recovery is part of protecting the baby too.

What About Medication?

Many medications used to treat fever, cough, and cold are compatible with breastfeeding. "Medicines such as paracetamol and ibuprofen are considered safe for nursing mothers. However, some cough and cold preparations may contain ingredients that are not recommended during breastfeeding. Mothers should always consult their doctor before taking any medication and avoid self-medicating," advised Dr Naik.

There are a handful of exceptions where a temporary pause in breastfeeding may genuinely be advised - certain serious maternal infections, or medications known to be unsafe during lactation. These are uncommon, and the decision should always be made with a doctor rather than guesswork.

Bottomline

Dr Naik concluded, "Breastfeeding is more than a source of nutrition; it is a powerful form of protection and comfort for a baby. During a mother's illness, continuing to breastfeed not only nourishes the infant but also transfers antibodies that help the baby fight infection. With appropriate hygiene measures and medical guidance when needed, mothers can safely continue breastfeeding through most episodes of fever, cough, and cold."