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Home » Breastfeeding Information » Can I breastfeed if…

Can I breastfeed if…

In this page:

  • My baby is ill?
  • I am taking medication or having medical treatment?
  • I have been drinking alcohol?
  • I haven’t managed to stop smoking?

My baby is ill?

Can I carry on breastfeeding if my baby is being sick? 

Yes, not only will your milk help your baby to recover more quickly, it is so easily digested it is easier for your baby to absorb the calories and goodness from your milk than any other fluid. 

Breastfeeding is also very comforting for your baby when he is ill. 

These pages have more information: 

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diarrhoea-and-vomiting/

My baby is sick – should I continue to breastfeed? • KellyMom.com

Links checked April 2023 

I am taking medication or having medical treatment?

We have a range of factsheets giving information about breastfeeding while taking medication or undergoing treatment. If you still have questions after looking at these you can send a private message to our team of Drugs in Breastmilk volunteer pharmacists via their Facebook page or via email.  Please provide as much information as possible (age of baby, dose, frequency and name of medication or drug). 

I have been drinking alcohol?

We have a factsheet giving information about breastfeeding and drinking alcohol.

I haven’t managed to stop smoking?

It is still much better to breastfeed if you smoke. Your milk will protect your baby from some of the effects of smoke. If possible limit your smoking to after a feed and go outside if possible to keep the smoke to a minimum (this holds for breastfeeding and bottle-feeding).

Some mothers find it helps to keep a jacket by the door to cover their clothes and protect them from picking up the smell of smoke.

Encourage everyone who visits to smoke outside and away from your windows. If you travel with your baby in a car, keep it smoke free.

Consider using nicotine patches to reduce your need for a cigarette, these are safe to use while breastfeeding and will reduce the amount of nicotine in your breastmilk. It is important to avoid smoking in the same room as your baby. Download the Breastfeeding Network Smoking and Smoking Cessation Information sheet.

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