One of the biggest worries for nursing moms is:
“If I’m sick, will my baby get sick too?”
Here’s the truth: by the time you even start showing symptoms, your baby has usually already been exposed to those germs. But this is where breastfeeding is magical—your body immediately begins making targeted antibodies in your breast milk. These antibodies are like tiny soldiers, designed to fight the exact bug you’re battling, and they get passed straight to your baby every time you nurse.
That’s why breastfed babies often avoid illness altogether or experience much milder symptoms when mom keeps nursing while sick.
Keep Nursing (Don’t Stop!)
It’s tempting to pull back when you’re under the weather, but this is when your milk is most powerful. Don’t stop! Continue your usual breastfeeding or pumping routine—it’s the best medicine your little one can get.
Mom-Sized Hygiene Hacks
You don’t need to isolate from your baby. Just stick to some simple infection-control habits:
Wash your hands often, especially after coughing or sneezing.
Switch bathroom hand towels daily (or use paper towels until you’re better).
Cough or sneeze into your elbow (pro tip: “smell your armpit” trick).
Wipe down surfaces daily with disposable paper towels during sick days.
What If My Milk Supply Drops?
Being sick can sometimes cause a temporary dip in milk supply—usually from dehydration or not eating enough. Stay consistent with nursing/pumping and it will rebound.
Hydration is especially important for breastfeeding moms. Plain water helps, but you also need balanced electrolytes. Many sports drinks have too much sodium or sugar. That’s why Hydromom is formulated with organic coconut water and electrolytes balanced according to World Health Organization guidelines. It even includes glucose, which helps your cells absorb electrolytes—a function sugar-free drinks can’t deliver, so don’t choose those if you want to hydrate properly.
Breast Milk “Immunity Fudge Pops”
If you’ve got extra pumped milk and the whole house is sniffling with a cold or sore throat, try making Breast Milk Fudge Pops.
Yep, chocolatey popsicles made with your very own liquid gold. Your body makes custom antibodies when you’re sick, and they’re all packed into your milk. So why not share that magic beyond baby? Give a pop to your toddler, sneak one to your partner, and voilà—your family is getting a sweet dose of mama-made immunity.
Yes, you heard me, sneak some of your antibody milk into the rest of the crew. You kiss their sweet hands, cuddle them when they’re snotty, and your milk steps up as nature’s antidote. Who knew breastfeeding could double as dessert and immune support?
The Bottom Line
Getting sick while breastfeeding is tough, but your milk is one of the best defenses your baby has. Keep nursing, keep holding and caring for your baby, rest when you can, hydrate smartly, and don’t be afraid to get creative with that extra pumped “antidotal” stash.
Stay healthy this cold and flu season—and nurse on!
