Influenza is not spread to infants through breastmilk and those who are breastfeeding should continue to do so. A mother’s breastmilk contains antibodies and other immunological factors that can help protect her infant from flu and is the recommended source of nutrition for the infant, even while the mother is ill.1
In a controlled environment, components of breastmilk have been shown to possess antibodies and antiviral properties against influenza. Human milk has significant amounts of antibodies that are directed specifically against the microbes of the parent and their environment. This results in broad defense for the infant.2 3 4
Breastfeeding strengthens an infant’s immune response to influenza. Babies who are not breastfed may be more vulnerable to viral infections.5
The influenza vaccine does not affect the safety of those who are breastfeeding or their infants. Breastfeeding does not adversely affect the immune response and is not a contraindication for vaccination.6
Donors should discuss any illness with their recipient and consult a healthcare provider in case of influenza infection.
Please see How can breastmilk be pasteurized at home? for more information on heat-treating and pathogens.
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- CDC – Influenza (Flu ↩︎
- Jack Newman, MD. How breastmilk Protects Newborns
↩︎ - Dr. John May, et al. 2005. La Trobe Tables ↩︎
- Hanson L. 2007. Feeding and infant development: breast-feeding and immune function. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society ↩︎
- Carlson A, et al. 2009. H1N1 influenza in pregnancy: what all obstetric care providers ought to know ↩︎
- CDC – Prevention and Control of Influenza ↩︎
