If my baby is sick with the flu, is it okay to breastfeed?

 Yes, one of the best things you can do for your sick baby is to keep breastfeeding.

• Do not stop breastfeeding if your baby is sick. Give your baby many chances to breastfeed throughout the illness.  Babies who are sick need more fluids than when they are well.  The fluid babies get from breast milk is better than anything else, even better than water, juice, or Pedialyte® because it also helps protect your baby’s immune system.


• If your baby is too sick to breastfeed, he or she can drink your milk from a cup, bottle, syringe, or eye-dropper.

Last Reviewed: 08/30/2010

• Does breastfeeding protect babies from flu viruses?
• Should I stop breastfeeding my baby if I think I have come in contact with the flu?
• Is it okay to take medicine to treat the flu while breastfeeding?
• What household cleaning should be done to prevent the spread of flu viruses?

• Special Patients
  • Breastfeeding Mothers
  • Children