I am a mother of 11 months old baby..I am suffering from jaundice.can i breastfeed my baby??

1 Answer

POOJA KOTHARIMom of a 8 yr 5 m old boy11 months ago

A. Yes, in most cases, it is safe to continue breastfeeding even if you have jaundice. However, the cause of your jaundice needs to be identified by your doctor, as the safety of breastfeeding can depend on the underlying condition. Common Causes of Jaundice in Adults: 1. Hepatitis (viral infection of the liver) 2. Gallstones 3. Liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis, fatty liver) 4. Medication-related jaundice 5. Obstructive jaundice (blockage in bile ducts) When It’s Generally Safe to Breastfeed: Non-infectious Causes: If your jaundice is due to a non-infectious cause, such as a blocked bile duct or medication side effects, breastfeeding is usually safe. Hepatitis A or B: You can usually continue breastfeeding if you have hepatitis A or B. Your baby may need immunization depending on your condition, but the virus is not transmitted through breast milk. When You Should Be Cautious: Hepatitis C: You can typically breastfeed with hepatitis C, but if there are cracked or bleeding nipples, it is advised to avoid breastfeeding until they heal because the virus may spread through blood. Severe Illness: If your jaundice is part of a serious illness affecting your health and energy levels, breastfeeding might become challenging. Discuss with your doctor whether to temporarily supplement with formula. Consult Your Doctor: It’s essential to consult your doctor to understand the cause of your jaundice and whether any specific precautions are needed. They will advise you based on the severity of your condition and possible treatment options. If you feel too weak or if the doctor advises temporary cessation of breastfeeding, you can consider expressing milk or supplementing with formula. However, in most cases, breastfeeding is still encouraged for the health and nutrition of your baby.