Can I continue breastfeeding if I get stung by a bee during lactation?

Nov 28, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Wenmin

Introduction

Seek immediate medical attention if systemic allergic reactions occur after a sting, such as widespread skin rash, itching, difficulty breathing, dizziness, nausea, or severe swelling at the sting site that affects normal movement. Medications may be required during treatment, and some of these drugs could affect breast milk. Breastfeeding should therefore be temporarily discontinued and resumed only after symptoms have resolved and a doctor has provided clearance.

Generally, if a breastfeeding mother is stung by a bee and does not experience severe allergic reactions or systemic discomfort, she may continue breastfeeding. However, if serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing or widespread rash occur, breastfeeding should be temporarily stopped. Seek medical attention promptly if any abnormalities arise. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If only localized redness, swelling, and pain occur without other systemic symptoms, the bee venom typically does not pass into breast milk and affect the infant. Breastfeeding can continue normally. Applying cold compresses to the affected area can help reduce swelling and pain. Avoid scratching to prevent infection, and ensure the baby does not come into contact with the sting site during feeding.

If systemic allergic reactions occur—such as widespread skin rash, itching, difficulty breathing, dizziness, nausea—or if the sting site becomes severely swollen and affects normal movement—immediate medical treatment is required. Medications used during treatment may affect breast milk, so breastfeeding should be paused until symptoms resolve and a doctor confirms it is safe to resume.

After being stung, closely monitor your condition and keep track of symptom changes. Inform your doctor that you are breastfeeding so they can prescribe safe medications. During any period of interrupted breastfeeding, express milk regularly to maintain milk supply.

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How to reduce swelling and relieve pain after being stung by a bee

After a bee sting, the key methods to reduce swelling and relieve pain include removing the stinger, applying cold compresses for pain relief, rinsing with an alkaline solution, applying topical medications, and avoiding scratching or irritating the area—these measures can quickly alleviate discomfort. After a bee sting, the stinger often remains embedded in the skin and should be promptly removed using tweezers or gently lifted out with a needle tip. Take care not to squeeze the affected area during removal, as this may force residual venom from the venom sac into the body.

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What to do if stung by a bee

Treatment methods after a bee sting generally include removing the stinger, washing the area with soapy water, applying an alkaline solution, using cold compresses to reduce swelling, and applying anti-allergic ointment. If the stinger remains embedded in the skin, gently lift it out with sterilized tweezers or the tip of a needle, taking care not to squeeze the venom sac to prevent additional venom from entering the body. After removal, wipe the affected skin area with a clean gauze pad to minimize residual venom.

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What to do if stung by a bee

In general, the main treatment methods for bee stings include identifying the type of bee, removing the stinger properly, rinsing the wound with appropriate solutions, applying cold compresses to relieve discomfort, using topical medications, and taking oral medications. During outdoor activities, avoid bee colonies and nests, and wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing to reduce attraction. Seek immediate medical attention if severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, vomiting, or low blood pressure occur after a sting.