62 | Breastfeeding while sick & taking medications: What your doctors won't tell you

Can I Breastfeed if I’m Sick or Taking Medication?

Wondering if it’s safe to breastfeed while sick or while taking medications? Many new moms get conflicting advice, but most of the time, you can safely continue nursing with the right precautions and resources.

In this episode of The Breastfeeding With Confidence Podcast, Jaimie, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and mom of five, explains how to navigate common illnesses, medications, and supporting milk supply while keeping your baby safe.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Jaimie covers:

• Breastfeeding while sick: how your milk protects your baby and what precautions to take

• Supporting milk supply when ill: staying hydrated, managing stress, and continuing frequent feeds

• Breastfeeding while taking medications: understanding risks, dosages, and monitoring your baby

• Common over-the-counter meds like Sudafed and Benadryl—how to use them safely while nursing

• Caution with bed-sharing if taking sedating medications

• Age of baby considerations: newborns vs older infants

• Using trusted evidence-based resources like InfantRisk Center and LactMed

• Empowering yourself to do due diligence and avoid unnecessary weaning

Encouragement

Mama, if you’re sick or taking medication, don’t panic. Most situations are compatible with breastfeeding. Informed decision-making, hydration, and monitoring your baby will help you continue safely nourishing your little one.

Resources for Breastfeeding Success

For more guidance on navigating illness, medications, and milk supply, check out Jaimie’s Breastfeeding Resource Library. It’s packed with evidence-based tools, guides, and strategies to help you feel confident in every stage of breastfeeding.

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👉Access the Confident Mama Breastfeeding Academy for step-by-step guidance on protecting your milk supply, managing common breastfeeding struggles, and getting a pain-free latch: Book a 20-minute Q&A session with Jaimie for personalized support

Episode Timeline

• 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction

• 00:45 – Breastfeeding While Sick

• 02:00 – Supporting Milk Supply When Sick

• 03:30 – Breastfeeding While on Medication

• 04:30 – Sudafed, Benadryl, and Other Common OTCs

• 05:30 – Age of Baby Considerations

• 06:00 – Common Pitfalls & Empowering Yourself

• 06:45 – Practical Tips for Safety & Milk Supply

• 07:45 – Encouragement & Final Thoughts

• 08:30 – CTA to Breastfeeding Resource Library

Topics Covered Include:

• Breastfeeding while sick

• Safe medications breastfeeding

• Sudafed and breastfeeding

• Benadryl breastfeeding

• Supporting milk supply when sick

• InfantRisk breastfeeding

• LactMed database

• Milk supply while ill