What happens if a breastfeeding mother receives an intravenous infusion for fever?
Sep 04, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, fever refers to elevated body temperature, and "打了吊针" means receiving intravenous (IV) infusion. When a mother has a fever and receives IV infusion while breastfeeding, it may affect milk production and lead to issues such as infection, bloating, diarrhea, and impaired infant development. If the patient breastfeeds after receiving an IV, it could result in reduced milk supply or even milk stasis. It is recommended that the patient use a breast pump to express milk to prevent milk stasis.
Generally speaking, fever refers to elevated body temperature, and "getting an IV" means receiving intravenous infusion. Administering intravenous fluids while having a fever and breastfeeding may affect milk production, cause infections, bloating, diarrhea, and impact the baby's development. Specific explanations are as follows:
1. Reduced Milk Production
If a patient breastfeeds after receiving an IV, it may lead to decreased milk secretion and could even result in milk accumulation. It is recommended that patients use a breast pump to express milk regularly to prevent milk buildup.
2. Infection Risk
If a mother receives IV therapy during lactation and continues breastfeeding, drug components may pass into the infant’s body through breast milk. If these components adversely affect the infant, they may increase the risk of infection.
3. Bloating
After receiving IV treatment during breastfeeding, if the underlying illness or infection has not been fully controlled, pathogens may enter the infant’s body through breast milk, potentially causing abdominal bloating.
4. Diarrhea
If a mother breastfeeds after receiving IV therapy during lactation, drug components may enter the infant’s system and irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to diarrhea.
5. Impaired Infant Development
If the intravenous medication contains hormones, these substances may pass into breast milk and negatively affect the infant's growth and development.
It is recommended that patients seek timely medical attention when experiencing discomfort and receive standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance to promote recovery.
