Breastfeeding during Illness

Behavior: Mother continues breastfeeding when either she or the infant is sick.

• If mother is sick with a cold, flu, or diarrhea, she continues breastfeeding because the germs do not pass through her milk. In fact, breastmilk protects against illness in the infant.
• If infant is sick, mother breastfeeds more often (or expresses her milk if the infant cannot breastfeed) so that infant recuperates faster.
• Breastmilk replaces needed water and nutrients lost through frequent loose stools, and is the most easily digestible food for the sick infant.