Can a child breastfeed if the mother has a fever during lactation?

Febrile illness refers to a fever. Generally speaking, during lactation, if the cause of the fever is not an infectious disease and medications contraindicated during breastfeeding have not been used, the infant can continue to consume breast milk. However, if the fever is caused by an infectious disease or contraindicated medications have been taken during lactation, breastfeeding should be avoided. If any abnormalities occur, prompt medical attention is recommended. A detailed explanation is as follows:

When a lactating woman develops a fever due to non-infectious factors such as the common cold or mild mastitis, with a body temperature not exceeding 38.5℃, and has not taken any antipyretic medications other than ibuprofen tablets or acetaminophen tablets, or other medications contraindicated during breastfeeding, breastfeeding can continue. At this time, the breast milk may contain antibodies produced by the mother, providing some protection to the infant, and normal breastfeeding helps maintain milk secretion.

If the fever is caused by infectious diseases such as influenza, pneumonia, or suppurative acute mastitis, or if medications contraindicated during lactation, such as antibiotics or antiviral drugs, have been taken due to medical necessity, breastfeeding should be temporarily discontinued. Infectious diseases may be transmitted to the infant via droplets or contact, and contraindicated medications may pass into the infant's body through breast milk, affecting his or her health.

During the period of interrupted breastfeeding, the mother should express her milk at regular intervals to prevent milk stasis. Breastfeeding may be resumed after the illness has resolved and sufficient time has passed since discontinuation of the medication.