Can I breastfeed if I have mouth ulcers?

Generally speaking, oral ulcers refer to ulcerative lesions occurring on the oral mucosa, commonly found on the lips, tongue, cheeks, and other areas. Whether a mother can continue breastfeeding during an episode of oral ulcers depends on the specific cause, severity, and whether the condition is contagious. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical advice from a professional doctor. The detailed analysis is as follows:

If the oral ulcer is caused by non-infectious factors such as unbalanced diet, lack of sleep, or high mental stress, and if the ulcer is small in size, causes mild pain, and there are no symptoms such as fever or local pus formation, breastfeeding can usually continue. These types of oral ulcers are not contagious, and the breastfeeding process will not transmit discomfort to the baby. Moreover, maternal milk provides essential nutrition for the baby, and interrupting breastfeeding may disrupt the baby's feeding routine. Proper self-care is sufficient to alleviate the ulcer.

If the oral ulcer is caused by a viral infection, or if the ulcer is large in size, numerous, accompanied by fever, redness, swelling, and pus at the site, and the doctor determines there is a risk of transmission, then continuing breastfeeding is not recommended. Viruses may spread to the baby through saliva contact; due to their weaker immune systems, infants are more susceptible to infection. Severe ulcers may also lead to difficulty eating and physical weakness in the mother, potentially affecting milk quality. Breastfeeding should only be resumed after appropriate treatment and confirmation that there is no longer any risk of contagion.

During breastfeeding, maintain a light diet, consume more fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins, and avoid spicy or excessively hot foods that may irritate the ulcer. Rinse your mouth with warm water before and after each feeding, maintain good oral hygiene, wash hands before handling the baby, and avoid close contact that could transmit bacteria or viruses. If medication is needed to treat the ulcer, consult a doctor to select medications safe for use during lactation. Do not self-medicate, to prevent harmful effects on the baby via breast milk.