Breastfeeding an unwell baby

Along with the science-based benefits of breastfeeding, there are numerous emotional benefits for mother and baby. One of these is being able to nurse your child when they are sick.

Here’s some things to know about nursing your sick baby or toddler:

• Sick babies need mother’s milk, and lots of it – When you baby is sick, hunker down for the duration, because it is completely normal for your baby to want to latch on and not let go! Unless they have a vomiting illness, in which case you may want to limit the volume of milk consumed at a time, there is no reason not to let them do this. Much of the time, they may not be getting a lot of milk anyway, but the nursing for comfort is essential. Plus, if you also have, or get a touch of the baby’s illness, your body will produce antibodies which will be transferred to the baby through your milk!

• In the case of a vomiting or diarrhea illness – Breastmilk *does* count as a “clear liquid.” It is *not* necessary to stop breastfeeding and feed water, broth or electrolyte drink. Unlike formula, breastmilk is perfectly digestible (the only downside compared to water would be the slightly more messy nature of the possible vomit!). Pediatricians often do not know that breastmilk is acceptable as a clear liquid – you may need to educate them on this point.

However, you may need to limit the volume or duration of breastfeeding sessions in order to reduce the vomiting. It can be a little bit of a trick to figure out just how much you can let them drink at a time once you feel or hear the milk let down and have them retain it. They get pretty angry when you take them off, but a little bit at a time will keep them hydrated and give them just what they need. Also, after a vomiting experience, you may want to wait 30-45 minutes to allow their stomach and esophageal muscles to relax again before. If it is hard for you tolerate waiting, or it is hard for your baby to see you without nursing, you may want to hand him or her over to another comforting caregiver and leave the room temporarily.

• About Cold Medications — Despite some warnings about using decongestants with children under two, many prominent pediatricians agree that there are times when using decongestants or expectorants may be necessary and appropriate. Occasionally medication may be necessary to reduce congestion enough to allow the baby to nurse and stay hydrated. Cough suppressants are generally not recommended with the exception of a child whose sleep is so interupted by coughing that they are not getting any rest. Be sure to confer with your pediatrician regarding appropriate dosing and advisability in your particular situation. And be sure to tell your doctor whether you are using a children’s or infant/toddler formulation, because infant drops are more concentrated and can cause overdose if a children’s formulation dose is given.

• Breastmilk can be used in lots of different ways other than orally — Using breastmilk in the eyes for conjunctivitis, in the ears for early ear infection, in the nose to resist sinus infection or throat relief from post nasal drip are just a few used. Also use breastmilk topically on skin lesions or injuries. Use reasonable cleanliness measures like washing hands before pumping or hand-expressing milk and use sterile bottles or eyedroppers for storage and application. And while I encourage natural treatments, be sure to be consulting your doctor about when it might be time for your child to be examined for an infection that may be beyond home remedies.

Breastfeeding and breastmilk can be absolutely invaluable during childhood illness. Keep in mind that breastmilk reduces the overall incidence and severity of many illnesses in the first place by increasing health and transferring immunity from mother to child. But when illness does strike, breastfeeding can provide unmatched comfort and health benefits. Get well soon!

Source: BellaOnline

Subhunallah, another ‘western’ discovery that supports the Islamic perspective that BREASTFEEDING is best for mum, baby and the Ummah…

Masha allah to all the breastfeeding mommies out there, You will indeed be rewarded insha allah.

Note: The above article is from a non-Muslim expert.  Breastfeeding is not permissable for a child older than 2years. Weaning as per Islamic teachings is to begin at around 18/20months so that by 24months the child is completely weaned off his/her mother’s milk.

May Allah make your feeds easy and as beneficial as possible. Ameen