Mothers may hesitate to breastfeed when they have a cold because they are worried that their little one will catch it. In fact, breastfeeding when the flu is safe to do, really, as long as the right way. Let's see what tips you can do to safely breastfeed your little one.
Not only is it safe, breastfeeding when you have a cold is actually a good thing to do. The reason is, this can make the baby get antibodies from the mother's body to fight the flu. It's just that breastfeeding when you have a cold must be accompanied by preventive measures so that the virus does not spread to your little one.
Tips for Safe Breastfeeding During the Flu
Tips for Safe Breastfeeding During the FluHere are some safe tips for breastfeeding when you have a cold that you can apply:
1. Wash your hands regularly
The first thing you need to do if you want to breastfeed when you have a cold is to wash your hands with clean water and soap, both before and after breastfeeding. This aims to prevent the spread of the virus that causes the flu to the Little One and Mother's breasts.
To be safer and cleaner, you can also clean your breasts with soap and warm water before starting to breastfeed, yes.
2. Kewear a mask
When you have a cold, you are also recommended to wear a mask when you want to breastfeed your little one. This is useful for avoiding the spread of viruses and germs through saliva splashes (droplet), when you sneeze, cough, or talk.
In addition, mothers are advised to limit physical contact with their little ones, for example kissing them. The use of masks and restrictions on physical contact are also important to prevent transmission of the Corona virus from breastfeeding mothers to their babies. you know.
3. Get enough rest
Enough rest, it is important for you to do so quickly to recover from the flu. You can do this, for example by breastfeeding while lying down. In addition, the mother can also pump breast milk, then ask for help from the closest person to give expressed breast milk to the little one.
That way, you can get more time to get enough rest when you have a cold so you can recover quickly.
4. Sufficient fluid needs
The condition of the body that is not fit or sick can make the amount of breast milk decrease in some breastfeeding mothers. Well, to keep the body fit, prevent dehydration, while increasing the amount of breast milk, you are recommended to drink enough water.
The fluid intake needed by breastfeeding mothers is about 3.5 liters per day or the equivalent of 14-15 glasses of water. However, if you are tired of drinking water, your fluid needs can also be obtained from other drinks, such as fresh fruit juice, milk, tea, infused water, or soupy food.
5. Call the doctor before taking cold medicine
The flu usually goes away on its own within a few days or weeks. However, if you want to take flu medicine to get well soon, you should consult your doctor first, yes.
The reason is, not all drugs are safe to take while breastfeeding, Bun. Some medications can even cause a reduced milk supply. So, you need to be more careful, okay?
By applying the tips above, you can still breastfeed when you have a cold without worrying about your little one getting infected. Now, in addition to preventing the transmission of the flu to your little one while breastfeeding, you can also do the various breastfeeding tips above as part of the health protocol to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, you know.
If you are still afraid or unsure about breastfeeding when you have a cold, don't hesitate to consult and ask your doctor, yes, Bun.
