Breastfeeding is a natural instinct for all moms, and most women enjoy interacting with their babies while doing so. However, if you have a fever or sore throat while breastfeeding, you may be concerned about feeding your little one. This is a genuine concern since infections can transfer from a mother to an infant. You may be amazed to know that sickness is the best time to continue breastfeeding. Antibodies created by the mother’s body in response to illness can be passed on to the baby, preventing sickness in the infant. Even if the baby does get sick, the illness will not be severe since they would have already received antibodies from the breast milk (1). Keep reading to learn more about sore throats and breastfeeding, as well as some useful home remedies to help you feel better.
Causes Of Sore Throat
A sore throat is a pain or irritation in the throat, and is a symptom of viral or bacterial infection or a cold. Causes of sore throat include:
Viral infections like influenza and common cold. However, it may also be due to viral diseases such as mononucleosis, chickenpox, measles, etc.
Infections spread by bacteria such as the streptococcus pyogenes, or group A streptococcus. It can also be a symptom of other bacterial diseases like whooping cough or diphtheria.
Other causes of sore throat include allergies, dryness of throat, exposure to irritants, muscle strain, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Symptoms Of Sore Throat
A sore throat can be accompanied by tender glands in your neck and throat, swollen tonsils (tonsillitis), and pain while swallowing. You may also have a headache, temperature, pains, and general aches. Other symptoms include dryness in throat, white patches of pus on your tonsils, hoarseness of voice, chills, cough, runny nose, sneezing, nausea or vomiting.
When To Seek Medical Help?
Medical attention is not immediately required for a sore throat. According to a UK study that involved people who took GP appointment for a sore throat, 50% cases settled within a week of the onset of illness, while 80% cases took ten days. It is advisable to seek medical help, in circumstances like:
Persistent high temperature above 38C (100.4F)
If the temperature does not go down with medication
Symptoms remain same for a week
If you have specific risks like spleen removal or anti-thyroid drug consumption
Diagnosis
Symptoms indicate that your throat is sore. In case you seek medical advice, the doctor performs a physical examination of the throat, nasal and ear passages. He will look for the signs of swollen glands in the neck or jaw. You may have to undergo complete blood count, a throat swab, and allergy tests to identify the exact cause.
Treatment For Sore Throat During Breastfeeding
The course of treatment prescribed by your doctor depends on the cause of soreness in your throat. It is safe to take most medicines while nursing. Unless it is a severe case, or you are considered to be at a higher risk of severe infection, antibiotics are not prescribed to treat a sore throat. Treatments compatible with breastfeeding are:
Over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen for relief from temperature and general aches.
Anesthetic throat sweets or throat sprays for relieving pain. Throat rinses can also be helpful. It is advisable to avoid sprays and lozenges containing hexylresorcinols or phenol. Select cepacol lozenges, celestial seasonings or something similar, which has menthol and/or benzocaine. Sucrets lozenges containing dyclonine are better than those with hexylresorcinols. Too much menthol tends to reduce milk supply. Avoid cough drops with menthol.
Different forms of Delsym, Robitussin and Benylin are considered compatible with breastfeeding. It is better to check for active ingredients before using.
Avoid medications containing decongestants as they tend to reduce milk supply.
*Note: Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements or medicines during breastfeeding. Tell him that you are nursing so that he prescribes a compatible medication. Your milk supply may decrease during or after the illness, probably due to drugs, but will build back soon.
Sore Throat Home Remedies For Nursing Mothers
Simple home remedies are efficient in healing a sore throat. Many natural remedies for a sore throat are compatible with breastfeeding. A few of them are:
Precautions To Take While Breastfeeding With Sore Throat
Note that in most cases, illness is not transmitted through mother’s milk. It transmits through the secretions from the nose and mouth, and skin contact. To avoid the possibility of your baby getting sick:
Wash your hands often.
Avoid face-to-face contact or sneezing near the baby.
Cover your mouth while coughing or sneezing.
You can also wear a filtering mask while nursing your little one.
Instead of holding the baby, ask somebody to place him beside you on the bed for you to breastfeed. After nursing, let them take care of the baby so that you can rest.
12 Tips For Nursing Mothers With Sore Throat
In addition to home remedies, change your routine to include the below in it. You will get some relief from sore throat: A sore throat is a common ailment, and will not harm your child if you are breastfeeding him during this time. Continue to build immunity in him and develop that incredible bonding with your little one without any hesitations. However, take precautionary measures.
