When a baby falls ill, breastfeeding plays a crucial role, providing not only essential nutrition but also vital immune support. This article explores the reasons why it is beneficial to continue breastfeeding a sick baby and offers practical advice on how to manage the situation.
Why continue breastfeeding a sick baby?
- Immune boosting:
- Breast milk contains antibodies, white blood cells and other immune agents that help fight infection. These components are specially adapted to target the pathogens present in the immediate environment of mother and child.
- When the mother is exposed to an infection, her body produces antibodies which are passed on to her baby via breast milk, strengthening the child’s immune defence.
- Hydration and nutrition :
- Breast milk is easily digestible and often the only thing a sick baby can tolerate. It helps prevent dehydration and ensures that the baby receives adequate nutrition even if he refuses other foods.
- Frequent, short feeds can be more comfortable for a sick baby, particularly if they have gastrointestinal or respiratory problems. In fact, if your baby is ill, he will naturally drink for less time and more often. This is completely normal, temporary and will support the baby’s recovery.
- Comfort and reassurance :
- Breastfeeding offers not only nutrition but also emotional comfort. Skin-to-skin contact and sucking at the breast can calm an agitated or uncomfortable baby.
Precautions and practical advice
- Unblock his nose
- If your baby has a blocked nose, unblock it with a syringe (very gently) or with a baby nose-blower. Clean his nose with breast milk.
- Managing vomiting and diarrhoea :
- If vomiting occurs, offer frequent, short feeds to minimise the risk of dehydration and ensure optimum absorption of nutrients. Trust your baby’s requests to feed often. Above all, do not impose any restrictions.
- Continued breastfeeding during acute diarrhoea significantly reduces its duration and severity, while reducing the risk of dehydration.
- Medical advice :
- If your baby is too ill to feed effectively, consult a health professional. They may recommend expressing breast milk and feeding by syringe, cup or spoon to ensure continuous nutrition.
Specific situations
- Respiratory infections and ear infections:
- Babies with respiratory infections may find it difficult to feed due to nasal congestion. Try to suction the baby’s nose before feeds and continue to favour the natural breastfeeding position, which remains the most effective position for a feed whatever happens.
- In the event of an ear infection, we again recommend the natural breastfeeding position, skin-to-skin breastfeeding and breastfeeding in a bath (without putting your ear in the water, of course).
- Chronic illnesses:
- For babies with chronic illnesses, breastfeeding can improve quality of life and help stabilise their condition. However, certain rare situations may require temporary interruption of breastfeeding. This is extremely rare. Even during chemotherapy, babies can be breastfed. In the case of cleft lip or palate, we will sometimes (and this is not a general rule) resort to containers other than the breast.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding a sick baby is strongly recommended because of its many immune, nutritional and emotional benefits. You can continue to feed and comfort your baby during the illness. If complications arise, it is crucial to consult healthcare professionals for advice tailored to each situation.
