Is Breastfeeding Safe When the Baby Has a Fever?

Question

The mother has a fever of 38.4 degrees and has not taken any fever-reducing medication. Is it safe to breastfeed the baby?

Answer

Generally speaking, breastfeeding a baby when the mother has a fever of 38.4 degrees is not a major concern. The mother can still confidently change the baby’s diapers. However, it is important to drink plenty of water to prevent breast milk from becoming too concentrated, which could lead to baby diarrhea. Some mothers may experience an increase in milk production when they have a fever, allowing for more frequent breastfeeding sessions for the baby. After a few days, the milk supply will return to normal. If the fever is very severe, with persistent high temperatures and significant exhaustion, the mother should stop breastfeeding and switch to pumping milk or temporarily using formula milk for the baby. If the mother needs to take medication, she should decide whether to temporarily stop breastfeeding based on the type of medication and the doctor’s advice.