Breastfeeding a Sick Baby

Topic Overview

If your baby has signs of a minor illness (such as cold symptoms or mild diarrhea), it is best to continue your breastfeeding routine. Breast milk provides your baby with the best possible nutrition.

If your baby is too ill to breastfeed, try cup-feeding. With this technique, you feed your baby collected breast milk. Take your baby to a doctor if he or she eats very little or not at all.

Even if your baby does not have much appetite or is in the hospital on intravenous (IV) fluids, use a pump or hand express your milk on your normal schedule. This will help you maintain your milk production until your baby's appetite returns.