Babies are prone to catching colds, viruses, or infections when you expect it the least. During the first months of his life, your baby can get fussy and in a lot of discomfort. And before you get desperate about it, you should know there are some valuable strategies to help a sick baby. Next, our experts share their insights on what to eat when breastfeeding a sick baby. These will help you soothe your little one and support his immunity to regain his wellbeing. Let’s see next what you need to know!
What to Eat When Breastfeeding Sick Baby
1. vitamin C and zinc supplements.
Vitamin C and Zinc are important nutrients needed in our body and that of a baby too. Lack of these nutrients can make one prone to some diseases, and so good intake of vitamin C and zinc is advised. These nutrients can help boast the body immune system and in turn prevent, fight and improve certain diseases like common cold. Ensure adequate intake of Vitamin C and Zinc so you can pass this to your breastfed baby.
2. vitamin C and zinc Foods (fruits and vegetables)
There are so many fruits and vegetables out there with good amount of vitamin c and zinc contained in them. They can be your go-to foods when you look for what to eat when breastfeeding sick baby.
Citrus fruits like orange and grapefruit are good sources of vitamin C. Other fruits include Mango, Papaya, Watermelon, Strawberries. On the other hand, zinc can be gotten from fruit like cashew, and Vegetables such as mushrooms and Spinach.
3. Drink Enough Water
The importance of water cannot be overemphasized. Water is good for overall body wellbeing, and it helps keep you hydrated all day while encouraging good breast milk flow thereby keeping the baby hydrated in turn.
How can a breastfeeding mother help a sick baby?
Breastfeeding your baby offers tremendous benefits. And if your little one is sick, you shouldn’t stop this. Your breastmilk has healing powers that will help restore your child’s inner balance. Besides this, breastfeeding can help a sick baby in numerous ways.
1. You can boost his immune system.
One of the major advantages of breastfeeding is that it supports your baby’s immune system. Hence, even from the first signs of sickness, breastmilk can act as a superfood!
2. You can take vitamin C and zinc supplements.
A breastfeeding mother can take vitamin C and zinc supplements to help her baby overcome a sickness. Making sure your immune system is in top shape will help your baby’s immune system, too. Studies reveal that when a mother takes such supplements, the incidence of pneumonia and diarrhea infections in babies is significantly reduced.
3. You can remove the mucus and help your baby breathe.
Even though it might look like a scary operation, keeping the mucus moving can do wonders for your baby’s wellbeing. Decongesting a baby is a must since it can cause serious issues. If you don’t do this, it will be hard for your baby to nurse and sleep. And what is even more concerning is that when mucus stays stagnant, it can become an infection!
4 You should drink plenty of water.
Every breastfeeding mother should keep herself hydrated. This will help your milk supply and will protect you in case your baby gets sick. Also, it would be best to feed your baby on demand. It will ensure your little one is hydrated, which in turn will keep the mucus moving freely.
5 You should learn about the best eating habits.
When your baby is sick, what you eat can significantly influence his recovery rate. Eating nutritious meals and avoid highly processed foods is more than vital for your kid. There is a proven fact that your breast milk’s composition modifies to deliver the nutrients and antibodies your baby needs when ill. So, make sure you get plenty of vitamins and minerals.
What Not to Eat Vs What to Eat When Breastfeeding Sick Baby
There are numerous approaches for this, depending on the ailment your little one faces. It is highly recommended to avoid foods like:
- Spicy foods
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Sugary drinks
- Fast foods
- Processed foods
Following a healthy meal plan can be beneficial for both you and your baby. Focus on nutrient-dense foods, such as:
Fish and seafood:
This includes salmon, seaweed, shellfish, sardines
Meat and poultry:
This will include chicken, beef, lamb, pork, organ meats (such as liver)
Fruits and vegetables:
Examples include berries, tomatoes, bell peppers, cabbage, kale, garlic, broccoli
Nuts and seeds:
Such as almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, hemp seeds, flaxseeds
Healthy fats:
You can get from avocados, olive oil, coconut, eggs, full-fat yogurt
Fiber-rich starches:
Good examples are potatoes, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, beans, lentils, oats, quinoa, buckwheat
A piece of expert advice is to think about your diet as having a direct impact on your baby’s wellbeing. For example, if he has stomach issues, tomatoes, broccoli, kale, or cabbage might cause too much gas. As a result, your diet can make the situation worse. We recommend to:
- Eat protein foods at least 2-3 times in a day. Protein sources include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, nuts, and seeds.
- Take three servings of vegetables per day, and ensure you include dark green and yellow vegetables.
- Take fruits, at least two servings a day.
- Ensure you include whole grains such as whole wheat breads, pasta, cereal, and oatmeal in your daily diet.
- Drinking of water is encouraged, in fact make sure you drink water to satisfy your thirst. A lot of nursing moms notice they are thirsty while they are breastfeeding baby; however, forcing yourself to drink fluids does not increase your supply.
Discussing with a pediatrician about the best foods for breastfeeding moms might be helpful. Here’s how to breastfeed a sick baby, depending on the issue he faces.
How to breastfeed a congested baby?
Common colds can clear up in five to ten days. But what makes a difference for your baby’s recovery is how you breastfeed. It is best to start with a visit to the pediatrician to assess your baby’s health and suggest the best steps to take. Here is how to breastfeed a congested baby:
- Start with a warm bath and use a washcloth to wipe your baby’s nose.
- Before you nurse, remove mucus with a bulb syringe.
- Use a humidifier in the room to ensure the secretions are loosened and completely removed.
- It can be a good idea to nurse in a more upright position.
- It can be helpful to nurse more often to keep your baby hydrated.
How to breastfeed a baby who was an earache?
Ear infections are extremely painful for babies. So, when your little one has an earache, he tends to take in less milk. Your goal should be to nurse more often to ensure he is hydrated and well-fed. Of course, the following things might help:
- Use a breastfeeding pump to create a breastmilk supply and nurse your baby more often.
- Use a syringe to deliver expressed mil.
- Follow the pediatrician’s advice on the medication to offer to your baby.
- Use the upright hold or opposite side-lying position to prevent pressure from affecting the ear.
How to breastfeed a baby who has a sore throat?
Babies get sore throats more often than you think. And the best thing you can do is to ensure the baby’s throat is lubricated. Offering breastmilk as often as possible can have a soothing effect. You can do the following, too:
- Use a dehumidifier.
- Offer your baby a frozen washcloth to suck on, as some babies prefer cool things when having a sore throat.
- Ask for medical advice on how to manage your baby’s sore throat.
- Never give honey or honey-based products to babies under 12 months.
How to breastfeed a baby who vomits or has diarrhea?
Stomach bugs are the worst nightmare for every mother. Even though these are rare, your baby can vomit or get diarrhea out of the blue. Some causes of diarrhea in babies include teething, bacteria, and adverse reactions to food. Remember that this can cause dehydration, which is why nursing more frequently is vital for your baby. Other tips to follow include:
- Nurse your little one in an upright position.
- If your baby is already on solid foods, try feeding him bananas, rice, applesauce, or toast.
- Make sure you offer small and frequent feedings and avoid longer ones.
- Don’t apply pressure on your baby’s tummy.
The bottom line
Being a breastfeeding mother can be challenging. Luckily, with a bit of help, you can overcome any struggle you might have. Some babies react better to some foods you eat, while others can get sick simply because you ate a spicy dish. Keeping track of these issues can help you in the long term. And, of course, it can guide you towards the best foods to eat when breastfeeding a sick baby.
