Some women think that they should not breastfeed when they are sick. But most common illnesses, such as colds, flu, or diarrhea, can\’t be passed through breastmilk. In fact, the antibodies in your breastmilk will help protect your baby from getting the same sickness. But if you have the flu, you should avoid being near your infant so that you do not infect him or her. Someone who is not sick should give your infant your expressed milk during this time.
Breastfeeding is not advised if the mother:
- Has HIV or AIDS
- Has untreated, active tuberculosis
- Is infected with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I or type II
- Is taking certain cancer chemotherapy agents, such as antimetabolites
- Is undergoing radiation