Should a mother stop breastfeeding if she has a viral cold? What should a mother pay attention to when breastfeeding if she has a cold?

Many mothers are worried that their colds will be passed on to their babies, so they stop breastfeeding. Today, let's talk about when mothers can't breastfeed their babies when they have a cold, and when they can breastfeed their babies. Mothers with colds don't need to worry too much.

Can I breastfeed if I have a cold?

You can usually continue breastfeeding if you have a cold.

Because colds are mainly spread through droplets (such as coughing, sneezing) or close contact, they will not be transmitted to babies through breast milk. It is recommended that mothers wear masks when breastfeeding to reduce the chance of the baby being exposed to germs, and be careful not to kiss or touch the child.

Why can't mother breastfeed when she has a cold?

Do not breastfeed if the fever is over 38℃

If the mother has a cold or fever, as long as it does not exceed 38 degrees Celsius, she can generally continue to breastfeed. This is because common colds and low-grade fevers are generally not transmitted to the baby through breast milk, and have little effect on the quality of breast milk. If the fever exceeds 38 degrees Celsius, breastfeeding should be stopped, because the heat of breast milk is relatively high at this time, and it may cause diarrhea in the baby after sucking.

It is not recommended to breastfeed if you have a viral cold

You can continue breastfeeding for common colds, but if the mother has a viral cold, it is highly contagious and has severe symptoms, such as persistent high fever, chills, general fatigue, and body aches. It is recommended to stop breastfeeding and use antiviral drugs in time for symptomatic treatment. Wait until the cold gets better and stop taking the drugs for 3 days before breastfeeding.

It should be noted that during the period of stopping breastfeeding, the breast milk should be drained regularly, at least 3 times a day, to maintain normal breast milk secretion, avoid milk accumulation and prevent infection.

Can I take medicine for a cold while breastfeeding?

Many breastfeeding mothers are too scared to take medicine when they catch a cold, but if they don’t take medicine, the cold virus will bother them for a long time, which really puts them in a dilemma.

Breastfeeding mothers should remember to take the right medicine to get rid of the cold virus as soon as possible.

When choosing medicines, try to choose those with a single ingredient. However, most mothers do not have only one symptom when they catch a cold. They have all the symptoms at once. What medicine should they take? You may choose some medicines that can be used by children, are relatively safe and have little effect on breast milk, such as Shuanghuanglian, Isatis Root, Vitamin C Yinqiao Tablets, etc.

If a breastfeeding mother has a cold accompanied by inflammation and needs to use antibiotics for treatment, it is recommended not to choose antibiotics blindly. You can consult a professional doctor and purchase antibiotics according to the doctor's instructions.

Relieve cold symptoms with massage therapy

Don't rush to get injections or take medicine when you catch a cold, especially for breastfeeding mothers. Medicines are poisonous. Taking medicine as soon as you catch a cold will also hinder the formation of antibodies in the body, reducing the resistance of both you and your baby. In fact, acupoint massage can also effectively relieve the symptoms of a cold.

Massage techniques for colds

Press and rub Fengchi acupoint:

Massaging Fengchi acupoint can dispel wind and relieve symptoms. Diseases caused by wind evil can be relieved by massaging this acupoint. Fengchi acupoint is located in the depression outside the two large tendons behind the neck, about the same level as the earlobe.

Massage method: Rotate and massage with enough force to feel soreness and swelling. Massage for 2 minutes each time, once or twice a day.

Press and rub Hegu acupoint:

Massaging the Hegu acupoint can clear away heat, promote yang energy, and improve the body's immunity. It is very convenient for pregnant women and children to treat colds by massaging the Hegu acupoint. The Hegu acupoint is located at the back of the hand where the thumb and index finger are together, the highest point of the muscle.

Massage method: Pinch and massage the Hegu point 30 times with the tip of your thumb, alternating between left and right hands, until you feel a sore and swollen feeling.

Press and rub Lieque point:

Pressing and kneading the Lieque point can relieve symptoms such as headache and fever, and is beneficial to the lungs and phlegm. The method of finding the point is to cross the base of the thumb of both hands, press the index finger on the radial styloid process of the other hand, and the depression under the index finger is the Lieque point.

Massage method: Use the thumb of one hand to press the Lieque point of the other hand, gently massage it 100 times, alternating between the left and right hands, two to three times a day.