Tips for Staying Healthy While Breastfeeding During Winter & Flu Season
TIPS FOR STAYING HEALTHY DURING FLU SEASON!
Nourish Your Body:
Take Prenatal Vitamins: Continue taking a prenatal vitamin as recommended by your healthcare provider to ensure adequate nutrient intake. Rest When Baby Rests: Prioritize sleep and rest to support your immune system and overall well-being.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to maintain milk production and overall hydration.
Eat Nutrient-Rich Foods: Include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains and snacks to support energy levels and milk supply.
Milk Supply:
Nurse more frequently: Illness may temporarily lower milk supply due to factors like dehydration, fatigue, or stress. To support milk production, respond to your baby's cues and nurse more frequently if feeling ill.
Avoid Stress: Stress can impact milk production; practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or gentle exercise.
Skin to Skin: Keep baby skin to skin as much as possible. This is great for regulation of baby and good for your supply!
Feeding Safety:
It IS safe to breastfeed while sick: Your milk contains antibodies that help protect your baby, so it's safe and encouraged to continue nursing even when you're unwell. It provides essential immune support for your little one.
Hand Hygiene: Wash hands frequently to prevent the spread of germs to your baby.
Milk Storage: Remember the 4:4:6 rule for ideal milk safety. 4 hours room temp, 4 days in the fridge, and 6 months in freezer.
Medication Concerns:
Check with your doctor: Check with your doctor, pharmacist or lactation consultant before taking any medications or supplements. You can also check medication compatibility with breastfeeding at www.infantrisk.com OR www.e-lactancia.org
Safe Cold Remedies: Use saline nasal drops or a humidifier for congestion relief rather than decongestants, which can affect milk supply.
Some Options for Adults: Saline Nasal Flushes, Vitamin C, Broth, Xylitol Nasal Spray, Elderberry syrup, Hot Tea, Honey (not for infants under 12m), Garlic
Staying Well:
Boost Immunity: A healthy diet and adequate rest support your immune system, reducing the likelihood of illnesses that could impact breastfeeding.
Maintain Milk Production: Proper hydration, nutrition, and rest are crucial for consistent milk supply.
Bonding and Well-being: Feeling healthy and rested enhances your ability to enjoy and bond with your baby during breastfeeding and postpartum.
