Mom Topics - Breastfeeding

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Being sick and breastfeeding is a challenge that has the potential to bring the most committed breastfeeding mother to a crisis point. It requires women to say yes to some things and no to others. It plays havoc with the daily routine, saps the last of the energy left over from breastfeeding and leaves nothing in reserve.

Saying no demands a certain level of determination, energy and resolve.

Consider the tenacity of a two-year-old when they don’t want to do something. When we are sick it’s tough to muster the inner reserves to stick to our guns when we say no -- but women must learn to say no when they are breastfeeding and sick.

Getting well and continuing to breastfeed with a full milk supply can come down to what you say yes and no to while you are sick. This article focuses on what you need to say ‘no’ to.

Say No to the Demands of Others

Motherhood is an emotional and practical auto teller where families line up to make their withdrawals -- the calming of fears in the middle of the night, wiping runny noses, the never ending task of changing nappies, washing clothes and preparing food, the taxi service to and from school, extra curricular activities, friends houses...the list is endless.

Getting sick is the equivalent of the auto teller going bankrupt -- there is simply nothing left to give. Illness is an opportunity to say no to everyone but yourself and your breastfed child. The world will not fall apart and women will be surprised at the resourcefulness of their families given the opportunity -- baked beans on toast never killed anyone. The house work will wait; it has that quiet sort of pervasive patience. It is also an invitation to others in your community to step in and help -- assistance that you may have already given when they were sick, or aid you can provide for them at another point in time.

If you face the sad fact that your family or your spouse will not make your health a priority, make it clear to them that breastfeeding is important for the newest member of the family, and breastfeeding requires you getting well, which requires resting for a day or two.

Say No to Mucus Producing Foods

If you are a streaming river of snot, have a wet cough or a thick head that feels as though it will explode, restricting your consumption of certain foods can help to stem the production of mucous. Foods such as dairy, bananas, wheat and chocolate are known mucus producers. You may find that other foods also contribute to a mucous problem. Women are often surprised that half the battle of snot and congestion is won simply by changing their diet while they are sick.

Say No to Sugar

One of sugar’s major backs is that it raises the body’s insulin levels, ultimately depressing the immune system. This isn’t just cakes, chocolate, lollies and ice cream, but any food that has high amounts of added sugar or high fructose fruits. The Healing Daily website is a great place to begin understanding the interplay of sugar and the immune system. While your immune system is depressed through illness it is sensible to refrain from adding additional stress.

Say No to Caffeine

Coffee, tea and caffeine based soft drinks are all dehydrating and should be avoided when sick (and if we’re being blunt, they should be avoided while breastfeeding for any number of good reasons including the dehydrating effect of caffeine.) Good hydration is essential for keeping the mucous membranes in the nose and throat from drying out as well of ensuring an adequate milk supply.

Drink as much as water as possible and supplement with warming herbal teas of thyme, fennel and stinging nettle. Commercially prepared teas such as Black Adder, with licorice and aniseed are wonderful for congested chests. If you have a sore throat and are looking for lozenges it is worth the hunt to find sugar free ones which are often combined with other beneficial herbs (such as thyme and fennel), vitamins and minerals.

Say No to Highly Processed Foods

Highly processed food carry almost no nutritional goodness, let’s be real about it. Breastfeeding mothers know that a nutritious and varied diet is an essential component of successful breastfeeding. While processed foods are generally quick and easy (which makes them highly attractive when sick), good quality, fresh, whole foods fast track you back to wellness.

Consider some quick and easy alternatives: a live green smoothie made of pineapple (a decongestant) and spinach or freshly squeezed carrot, orange and ginger juice. And there is also homemade chicken or vegetable soup. Consider making soup in bulk when you are well and freezing so it becomes the ultimate convenience food for when you are sick.

Five years into motherhood I still struggle to say no, but generosity of time, energy and spirit only goes so far. I’m learning to keep my “auto teller” well stocked so I am able to give when my family needs it. If I don’t care for myself, running on empty, I invariably get sick.

I believe it is the direct result of having learned what to say yes and no to when I was sick during my years of breastfeeding that empowers me now to say 'no.' When push comes to shove, and you are sick and breastfeeding, saying ‘no’ can mean the difference between a debilitating, lingering illness and a fast return to wellness.

Related Articles

Saying Yes When Breastfeeding and Sick
Breastfeeding First Aid Kit for Colds and Flu

Jodi Cleghorn is a Brisbane mother and writer. She is the co-author of the book Reclaim Sex After Birth: the survival guide and creator of the Date Night Challenge. This week Jodi is entertained by the Universe’s pervasive “no” in the battle to say “yes” to an article about saying “no.”

Image compliments of Anna Foley, from private collection

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