When a Nursing Mother is Ill and Needs to Take Medications

When a mother becomes ill, she should not interrupt breastfeeding for fear that she may make her baby sick. Breast milk passes immunity to the baby in many circumstances. Frequent hand washing will also decrease the risk of contagiousness.

If you are nursing while ill, it is generally best to avoid most medications. If you wish to take medicine please call your doctor or your pediatrician to discuss the safety of that medication.