How to treat food poisoning while breastfeeding
It can be easy to try to push yourself through when you’re parenting with food poisoning. But it’s important to take care of yourself, too.
Additionally, you’ll want to be sure to take some steps to minimize passing infection onto your baby or other children.
Here are some tips for getting through food poisoning while breastfeeding:
- Stay hydrated. Dehydration is the biggest concern when it comes to food poisoning. Even if you can’t keep food down, it’s important to continue drinking plenty of water. Consider adding some fluids meant to replenish and balance your electrolytes, too.
- Avoid Pepto Bismol. Products with oral rehydration salts are compatible with breastfeeding. However, products containing bismuth subsalicylate compounds, like Pepto Bismol may not be safe.
- Seek medical attention. If your symptoms last more than 1 or 2 days, you have a persistent fever, or you’re severely dehydrated, seek medical attention. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to help your symptoms or to treat the infection.
- Ask a doctor about medication. If you’re unsure whether a product, medication, or antibiotic used to treat food poisoning is compatible with breastfeeding, talk with your doctor. You can also check the LactMed database trusted Source, where you can find information about different substances and medications and their impact on breastfeeding.
- Wash your hands frequently. Over the course of your illness, wash your hands frequently with soap and water after using the toilet and after vomiting. Give your hands an extra wash before holding or nursing your baby.
- Minimize risk to others. Consider sanitizing any high-touch surfaces like door handles, light switches, and toilet handles. Clean food prep areas well. Additionally, make sure that anything your baby touches or puts into their mouths — such as pacifiers, nipples, and teethers — has been thoroughly cleaned.
Take care of yourself.
Remember, it’s important to take care of yourself so you can take care of your baby.
Most food poisoning symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomachache, resolve within 1 or 2 days and don’t require medical attention.
However, visit a healthcare professional if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- bloody diarrhea
- high fever of over 102°F (38.8°C)
- inability to keep fluids down
- dehydration
- diarrhea that lasts for 3 or more days
Food poisoning is linked to a portion of food or drinks you ingested that was contaminated. The main symptoms of food poisoning are gastrointestinal — such as vomiting, diarrhea, and upset stomach.
Respiratory symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, or congestion are usually not caused by food poisoning.
However, food poisoning can sometimes cause fever. If you’re unsure if you’re experiencing food poisoning or something else, consult with your doctor.
The takeaway
It’s never fun getting sick, and you might worry about what food poisoning in particular means for you as a breastfeeding or chestfeeding parent.
The good news is, you can — and should — continue breastfeeding your baby even if you get food poisoning.
Your breast milk should not give your baby food poisoning, and in fact, it can help protect them from contracting the germ that caused the food poisoning.
If you have any questions about a food-borne illness while breastfeeding, talk with your child’s pediatrician. And if you or your baby have severe symptoms or become severely dehydrated, seek emergency medical care.
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