Food poisoning is never a fun experience, but it can be especially dangerous when you are breastfeeding. If you get food poisoning while breastfeeding, there are a few things that you need to know to protect your baby. This blog post will discuss the dangers of food poisoning for breastfeeding mothers and what you can do to stay safe.
What Is Food Poisoning?
After consuming infected food, food poisoning is used for a resulting foodborne illness. During growing, processing, cooking, or storing our foods, bacteria, viruses, toxins, or other poisonous substances may have contaminated them through water or exposure sources.
Sometimes, it can be severe enough to send you to the hospital.
Causes
Various factors can cause food poisoning, and its severity varies depending on the specific agent.
Bacteria
These tiny creatures can contaminate food and induce sickness in as little as a few hours after consumption.
Viruses
Viruses are another common source of food-related diseases, which you can find in various items. These tiny organisms may contaminate the food and lead to poisoning. Norovirus and Rotavirus are two well-known viruses that cause food poisoning.
Toxins
They originate from microorganisms found in contaminated food.
Other substances
Many other things, such as germs, viruses, and poisons, can induce poisoning. Chemical contaminants, such as cleaners or pesticides; metals, including lead and mercury; and poisonous plants, including hemlock and jimsonweed, are a few examples.
Improper handling
People could avoid nearly all instances of food poisoning if people handled their food correctly. From cooking to storing, there are safety guidelines that you must follow to avoid becoming ill.
Can You Breastfeed With Food Poisoning?
Yes, food poisoning while breastfeeding is safe. Breast milk is good and nutritious for infants, so don’t stop nursing. Nursing moms should drink plenty of water and get some rest to minimize dehydration’s effect on milk production.
It’s also a good idea to feed your child more often to avoid contracting the disease, as breast milk lowers toxins from the body.
Can Food Poisoning Be Transferred Through Breast Milk?
Most germs and poisons that cause food poisoning cannot cross this barrier. As a result, it is critical to handle and prepare meals with care.
Risks of Breastfeeding With Food Poisoning
When nursing moms are affected by food poisoning, their infants and themselves may experience discomfort. However, there are some dangers for the baby and mom due to food poisoning.
There’s always a chance that breast milk production will suffer temporarily during this time, but it typically resumes as normal once Mom starts feeling better. So if your little one doesn’t seem to be getting enough milk at any point during this period, don’t panic continue breastfeeding according to schedule. The breastmilk supply should eventually return to its original levels.
Although a mother’s food poisoning can be passed on to her baby through breast milk, exclusive breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of infection.
If the mother cannot breastfeed often, dehydration could occur in the baby. And if your child gets sick, continue nursing them; stopping could further dehydrate them.
Foods That Can Cause Discomfort To A Breastfed Baby?
Dairy products
Some babies may have increased diarrhea and gas after eating dairy. If you think this may be the case for your baby, try taking dairy out of your diet for a few days to see if there is any improvement in symptoms.
Caffeine
Some babies may experience irritability, insomnia, or stomach upset after their mothers consume caffeinated products.
Spicy meals
Spicy food can cause heartburn, indigestion, and gas in some infants.
Gas-producing foods
Some foods make babies bloated and uncomfortable, such as those high in fiber or sugar.
How To Heal And Recover From Food Poisoning?
Drink plenty of fluids
If you are a nursing mother, it’s critical to boost your fluid intake. To replenish the minerals that have been lost, drink fluids with electrolytes.
Take rest
You must get rest when you’re sick. By getting enough sleep, your body can focus on fighting the infection and improving.
Eat light and bland foods.
Use bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast to help settle your tummy. If eating small meals at regular intervals is causing problems for you, try drinking smaller amounts of food at once.
Avoid self-medication
Many over-the-counter medicines may interfere with breastfeeding and be harmful to the baby. Furthermore, some drugs might aggravate food poisoning symptoms and make you feel worse.
Consume fresh fruits and vegetable
They’re also high in critical vitamins and minerals your body requires to heal. Eating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt can also aid in the recovery of healthy bacteria in your intestines. So, while healing, ensure you eat plenty of fresh fruits and veggies.
Ensure cleanliness
It is also critical to maintain cleanliness to avoid the spread of infection. Keeping your baby’s surroundings clean and free of germs is also a good idea.
Prevent Food Poisoning While Breastfeeding
Practice good hygiene
Sanitize your kitchen once in a while for extra measure, ensuring that counters and appliances are sparkling clean.
Cook food properly
If you’re unsure whether food is thoroughly cooked, use a thermometer to be safe. Also, keep raw foods from cooked ones using separate plates and utensils when possible.
Avoid high-risk foods
Various foods are more likely to cause illness, so it is best to be weary of them. Also, exercise caution when consuming pre-cut fruits and vegetables as they may have come in contact with harmful bacteria.
Store food properly
Most of us know not to put food in the freezer if we don’t use it immediately. However, you should avoid doing so when possible. Keep perishable goods cool by keeping them in the refrigerator and consuming or cooking them within two hours. Also, keep your fridge clean by removing any old leftovers.
Stay hydrated
Maintain a sufficient water intake to keep yourself hydrated since it helps eliminate toxins from your body. Water, juice, and sports beverages are good ways to quench your thirst. Oral rehydration salts might also be used if you’re feeling weary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is it safe to breastfeed if you have diarrhea?
Ans: Diarrhea cannot be passed to your child through breast milk; however, you may want to switch to baby formula for a day or two if you suffer from diarrhea. Diarrhea causes dehydration which then decreases milk production in a mother’s body.
Q2: How long after food poisoning should I wait to feed my baby?
Ans: When you have mild food poisoning, it is unnecessary to cease offering your infant food. If, on the other hand, your symptoms are severe, wait at least one day before breastfeeding. This is required since you may be taking strong antibiotics during that time.
Q3: What is the treatment for food poisoning while breastfeeding?
Ans: If you have food poisoning, the most important thing is to stay hydrated. Drink lots of fluids like water, juice, and sports drinks. You can also suck on ice chips or popsicles. In more severe cases, oral rehydration therapy may be necessary, which can be done with store-bought packets or a healthcare professional.
Q4: Is it okay to breastfeed while having a fever?
Ans: Generally, breastfeeding is still safe even if you have a fever. However, if your fever is over 102°F (39°C), you should refrain from breastfeeding until your fever goes down. A high fever can dry up your milk supply, so it’s best to take a break until you feel better.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding is a wonderful way to bond with your baby and provide them with the nutrients they need to grow; however, it’s important to be aware of the risks involved. Taking simple precautions can help prevent food poisoning while breastfeeding and keep you and your baby healthy and happy. By being vigilant about hygiene, cooking food properly, avoiding high-risk foods, and staying hydrated, you can help keep yourself and your baby safe.
