As an experienced doctor, I understand that new mothers may have doubts about whether to continue breastfeeding their babies when faced with a cold and fever. Here, I will answer this question for you in detail in rigorous and scientific language: If a new mother has a cold and fever, can the baby still eat breast milk?
First of all, we need to be clear that breast milk is the ideal food for babies, and it is rich in nutrients to meet the needs of babies as they grow. Even if the mother has a cold and fever, breast milk can still provide the baby with these essential nutrients.
So, when a new mother has a cold and fever, will breast milk be affected? The answer is not absolute. In fact, a cold and fever does not make breast milk harmful, however, the mother's body will produce some changes during the cold. These changes may affect the composition of breast milk, causing it to undergo some subtle changes.
Studies have shown that when a cold and fever occur, the immune cells in the mother's body increase, and these immune cells produce some substances that fight viruses. These substances may enter breast milk, giving it some antiviral effects. For babies, this is actually a passive immunity.
However, colds and fevers can also cause the mother's body to use more energy, which may affect the production of breast milk. In addition, if the mother is taking antibiotics, then these drug ingredients may also appear in breast milk and have some effect on the baby.
So, what should new mothers do when they have a cold and fever?
First of all, new mothers should take care of rest and get enough sleep, which is very important for restoring good health and maintaining breast milk production. Secondly, new mothers should maintain good eating habits and eat more nutritious foods to ensure the quality of breast milk.
If the new mother has a mild cold and fever and is not taking antibiotics, she can continue to breastfeed her baby. However, if the condition is more severe, or if you have taken antibiotics, then it is best to stop breastfeeding temporarily so that the medication does not have adverse effects on your baby.
In this process, new mothers can consider using formula as a substitute for breast milk. However, please note that formula is not a complete replacement for breast milk, it is only a temporary substitute. Once the new mother's body has recovered, breastfeeding should be resumed as soon as possible.
In general, when a new mother has a cold and fever, the baby can still eat breast milk, but it needs to be judged on a case-by-case basis. During this process, new mothers should pay close attention to their physical condition, as well as the health of their baby, and seek help from a doctor if necessary.
In closing, I would like to emphasize that breastfeeding is a great undertaking that not only provides the best nutrition for the baby, but also strengthens the emotional bond between mother and baby. Although there may be some difficulties in cold and fever, as long as we deal with them with a scientific attitude and methods, we will be able to overcome these difficulties and escort the healthy growth of the baby.
Thank you for taking the time to read our article. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. I wish you all the best!