Neha Verma Neha Verma Asked 7 months ago

Can i nurse if i have a fever?

I've suddenly developed a low-grade fever, but my baby is exclusively breastfed. My mother-in-law is insisting I shouldn't nurse while I have a fever. Is it safe for my baby if I continue to breastfeed him when I'm running a temperature?

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7 answers

Sita Sharma Sita Sharma Joined Jan 2026 7 months ago
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Yes, you can nursing your baby as it actually passes protective antibodies to them. Drink lots of warm water and take rest. But if your fever is very high or you have severe body pain, please consult a doctor instead of trying to manage it at home.

Ananya Sen Ananya Sen Joined Jan 2026 7 months ago

I am a new mother and still learning all of this. Is it okay to breastfeed even if I am taking basic fever medicines, or do those medicines affect the baby through the milk? I am a bit worried about this.

Pooja Deshmukh Pooja Deshmukh Joined Jan 2026 7 months ago

While regular fever is usually fine, if you also have a painful lump in your breast or redness, it could be mastitis, which needs proper treatment. Please see your doctor immediately to rule out any infections before you continue nursing.

Divya Nair Divya Nair Joined Feb 2026 7 months ago

I had a 101 fever last month and was terrified to feed my baby, but my doctor assured me it is totally safe and actually good for the baby's immunity. Just rest up as much as you can, and ask someone to help you hold the baby if you feel very weak.

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Consult a internal medicine specialist

Ramesh Patel Ramesh Patel Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

Yes, breastfeeding is perfectly safe during a normal fever. Just wear a simple face mask while feeding to prevent spreading any cold germs to the baby. Take paracetamol only if your doctor has advised it, and keep drinking plenty of fluids.

Amit Pathak Amit Pathak Joined May 2026 6 months ago

Don't panic. You can absolutely continue breastfeeding your little one. Your body is making antibodies that actually protect the baby from getting your fever. Just make sure to wash your hands, wear a mask if you have a cold, and stay hydrated.

Harish Iyer Harish Iyer Joined May 2026 6 months ago

Generally, yes, you can nurse. However, for safety, make sure you don't take any self-prescribed medications as they can pass into the breast milk. Get yourself checked by a doctor first to find the exact cause of your fever.

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