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Breastfeeding with food poisoning is generally safe, with only a few risks such as dehydration and the need for antibiotics. The bacteria causing food poisoning usually only affect the gastrointestinal system and do not pass into breast milk. In rare cases of septicemia, breastfeeding should be avoided for 24 hours while the mother is treated with antibiotics. Continuing to breastfeed while ill is encouraged as the mother produces antibodies to fight bacteria. Consult a doctor before taking medication while breastfeeding.
Food poisoning occurs when you consume contaminated food or liquids. The main causes of food poisoning are bacteria, toxins, viruses or parasites that typically result from poor food preparation and handling. There are only a few risks associated with breastfeeding with food poisoning. These are mainly the potential need to take some antibiotics, dehydration of the mother and in case of a severe case of septicaemia. In most cases, breastfeeding with food poisoning is considered safe and is even encouraged.
The effects of food poisoning typically only affect the gastrointestinal system, meaning the bacteria never travel to the bloodstream or breast milk. A normal way of treating food poisoning is over time, although some medications can be taken to relieve some of the symptoms. It is important for a nursing mother with food poisoning to consult a doctor before taking over-the-counter medications. This is because some of the ingredients can pass into breast milk and have an unwanted side effect on the baby.
Some symptoms of food poisoning, such as excessive vomiting and diarrhea, can make the mother dehydrated. Some doctors worry that the fluids needed to create breast milk and the energy needed will only make symptoms worse for the mother. As a result, some doctors may recommend consistent fluid intake and reduce the number of times a mother tries to breastfeed with food poisoning.
In rare cases the bacteria enter the bloodstream and cause septicemia, and as such can travel in breast milk. It is usually only in this case when breastfeeding should be avoided completely. Most of the time, if septicemia occurs, the mother is hospitalized and treated with antibiotics. During the first 24 hours, doctors recommend avoiding breastfeeding and instead expressing milk and disposing of it only to maintain milk supply. After this period, it is considered safe to continue breastfeeding while taking antibiotics for food poisoning.
Many doctors and lactation consultants agree that breastfeeding with food poisoning carries very little risk. Indeed, many advocate the importance of continuing to breastfeed while the mother is not feeling well. This is because the mother produces important antibodies specially created to help fight any bacteria that she may have already passed on to her child before realizing she was ill. It is important for a woman to consult her doctor if she is breastfeeding with food poisoning or any other illness.
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