Can I Still Breastfeed If My Baby Has Hand Foot And Mouth?

Having a baby with hand, foot, and mouth disease can be a challenging experience for any parent. One common concern that arises in this situation is whether it is safe to continue breastfeeding your baby. The good news is that in most cases, you can still breastfeed your baby even if they have hand, foot, and mouth disease.

If your baby is experiencing pain while eating or drinking due to the blisters in their mouth, you can try offering smaller, more frequent feeds of their usual milk. This can help to ease their discomfort and ensure they are still getting the nourishment they need to recover from the illness.

It is important to note that the blisters in your baby’s mouth will not spread to your nipples if you are breastfeeding. This means that you can safely continue to breastfeed without worrying about the infection spreading to you.

Additionally, breastfeeding can provide comfort and soothing for your baby during this difficult time. The act of breastfeeding can offer emotional support and help to calm your baby, even when they are feeling unwell.

While hand, foot, and mouth disease is highly contagious, the virus is most commonly spread through contact with the blisters and sores that appear on the skin. As long as you practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently and avoiding direct contact with the blisters, you can reduce the risk of spreading the infection to yourself or others.

If you have any concerns about breastfeeding while your baby has hand, foot, and mouth disease, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice and guidance based on your specific situation and help you ensure the health and well-being of both you and your baby.

Overall, breastfeeding is a safe and beneficial way to nourish your baby, even when they are dealing with hand, foot, and mouth disease. By following best practices for hygiene and seeking support from healthcare professionals, you can continue to provide your baby with the comfort and nutrition they need to recover from this common childhood illness.

Can I Still Breastfeed If My Baby Has Hand Foot And Mouth?

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Nancy Sherman

Nancy Sherman has more than a decade of experience in education and is passionate about helping schools, teachers, and students succeed. She began her career as a Teaching Fellow in NY where she worked with educators to develop their instructional practice. Since then she held diverse roles in the field including Educational Researcher, Academic Director for a non-profit foundation, Curriculum Expert and Coach, while also serving on boards of directors for multiple organizations. She is trained in Project-Based Learning, Capstone Design (PBL), Competency-Based Evaluation (CBE) and Social Emotional Learning Development (SELD).