How to Reduce Fever While Breastfeeding?
Learn how to safely reduce fever while breastfeeding with home remedies, safe medications, and self-care tips. Discover causes, prevention methods, and when to seek medical help.
Written by Dr.Sonia Bhatt
Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Introduction
Fever is a temporary rise in body temperature, usually indicating an underlying infection or illness. Fever during breastfeeding can be concerning for mothers, particularly when balancing personal health and infant care. Understanding the causes, safe management strategies, and prevention methods can help mothers recover efficiently without compromising breastfeeding. In this blog, we will explore the effects of fever during breastfeeding and its underlying causes.
Causes of Fever During Breastfeeding
Some of the common causes of fever during breastfeeding:
1. Possible Infections and Illnesses
Various infections and illnesses can trigger a fever during breastfeeding, some of which may require prompt medical attention to prevent complications and ensure continued breastfeeding safety. Some of them includes:
Mastitis: Breast infection causing pain, swelling, and fever.
Engorgement: Excess milk buildup leading to inflammation and discomfort.
Flu or common cold: Viral infections that may present with fever and fatigue.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Can cause fever, pain, and discomfort.
Postpartum infections: Infections after childbirth, such as endometritis, may lead to fever.
2. Other Common Causes
Some of the other common causes includes:
Teething in babies: May lead to mild fevers, often misunderstood as maternal fever.
Vaccine reactions: Some mothers may experience mild fever following vaccinations.
Overexertion: Lack of rest and dehydration may cause an increase in body temperature.
Safe Practices for Reducing Fever
Here are some effective and breastfeeding-friendly strategies to help reduce fever.
1. Home Remedies and Non-Medicinal Methods
Here are some safe and effective home treatments for managing fever:
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, herbal teas, and soups.
Dress lightly: Wear breathable clothing to help regulate body temperature.
Cold compress: Apply a damp cloth to the forehead and neck to ease discomfort.
Lukewarm bath: Helps lower body temperature gradually.
Adequate rest: Ensuring sufficient sleep and relaxation supports recovery.
Nutritious diet: Consume light, nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and broth-based soups to support the immune system.
Room ventilation: Keep your environment cool and well-ventilated to prevent overheating.
Herbal infusions: Ginger or chamomile tea may help soothe the body and promote relaxation.
Humidity control: Using a humidifier can ease congestion and make breathing more comfortable.
Coconut water: A natural electrolyte-rich drink that helps replenish lost fluids and prevent dehydration.
Gentle massage: A light massage with essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus (diluted properly) can promote relaxation and ease discomfort.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol: These can contribute to dehydration and may worsen symptoms.
These natural approaches can complement medical treatments and help speed up recovery while ensuring a safe breastfeeding experience.
2. When to Use Over-The-Counter Medications?
Here are some situations where over-the-counter medications might be considered:
When fever exceeds 38.9°C (102°F) and leads to significant discomfort.
If experiencing severe body aches or headaches that interfere with daily activities.
Only after consulting a healthcare professional to ensure the medication is safe for breastfeeding.
Balancing Medications and Breastfeeding
Here are some key considerations to keep in mind.
1. Safe Medications While Breastfeeding
Some medications are considered safe for managing fever and pain while breastfeeding. These options are effective and pose minimal risk to the baby when used appropriately.
Mild analgesics and antipyretics: Generally safe for reducing fever and discomfort.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Suitable for short-term use, particularly for managing inflammation and pain.
Note: It is recommended to always consult a doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy.
2. Medications to Avoid During Breastfeeding
Certain medications can pose risks to infants or affect milk supply. It is important to be cautious and consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication.
Salicylates: Linked to potential health risks in infants and should be avoided.
Some decongestants: May lead to a decrease in milk production and cause irritability in babies.
Unprescribed antibiotics: Always seek medical advice before using any antibiotics to ensure they are safe for breastfeeding.
Staying Hydrated and Maintaining Nutrition
Proper hydration and balanced nutrition are essential for recovery and maintaining a healthy milk supply while breastfeeding.
1. Importance of Hydration in Fever Management
Staying hydrated is crucial during fever, as it helps regulate body temperature, prevent dehydration, and support milk production. Here’s why proper hydration matters:
Prevents dehydration and helps maintain a steady milk supply.
Replenishes fluids lost due to sweating, reducing the risk of fatigue and weakness.
Aids in toxin removal, helping the body fight infections more effectively.
Supports digestion, preventing discomfort that can arise from fever-related dehydration.
Enhances overall recovery, ensuring the body remains nourished and functional.
2. Nutritional Needs During Fever and Breastfeeding
Eating the right foods while managing a fever is essential for energy, recovery, and continued breastfeeding. Some nutritional needs include:
Light, nutritious meals: Include soups, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains for easy digestion and sustained energy.
Probiotic-rich foods: Yogurt and fermented foods promote gut health and support immunity.
Electrolytes: Coconut water, homemade oral rehydration solutions, and broths help restore essential minerals.
Protein intake: Lean meats, eggs, nuts, and legumes aid tissue repair and immune function.
Healthy fats: Avocados, nuts, and olive oil provide essential nutrients for energy and milk production.
Iron-rich foods: Leafy greens, lentils, and fortified cereals help prevent fatigue and weakness.
Consult Top General medicine specialist
Monitoring and Managing Symptoms
Keeping track of fever symptoms and managing them effectively can help prevent complications and ensure a smooth recovery while breastfeeding. Here are some essential steps to follow.
1. When to Seek Medical Attention?
While mild fever can often be managed at home, certain symptoms require prompt medical attention to prevent complications. Seek medical help if you experience any of the following:
Fever exceeding 40.5°C (105°F), which may indicate a serious infection.
Persistent fever lasting beyond 48 hours, suggesting an underlying issue.
Severe symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or confusion.
Signs of mastitis with intense pain, swelling, and redness in the breast, possibly accompanied by fever and chills.
2. Recognising Signs of Serious Conditions
Some symptoms may indicate a more severe illness that requires immediate medical care. These warning signs includes:
Chills and excessive sweating may signal a severe infection that needs urgent treatment.
Dizziness or fainting could be a sign of dehydration or low blood pressure.
Persistent flu-like symptoms might indicate an underlying medical condition that requires professional evaluation.
Severe headache or neck stiffness may suggest meningitis or another serious infection.
Rapid heartbeat or palpitations could indicate dehydration, fever-related stress on the body, or an infection.
Unusual fatigue or weakness beyond normal tiredness may signal a serious underlying issue.
Importance of Rest
Adequate rest is essential for recovery, especially when managing fever while breastfeeding. Resting helps the body fight infections, boosts energy levels, and ensures continued milk production for the baby.
1. Strategies for Getting Adequate Rest
Here are some strategies to help maximise rest:
Nap when the baby naps: Helps compensate for sleep deprivation and restores energy.
Seek support: Ask family members or friends to assist with childcare and household tasks.
Create a restful environment: Keep the room cool, quiet, and comfortable to promote better sleep.
Limit screen time before bed: Reducing blue light exposure can improve sleep quality.
Use relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, or gentle stretching can help unwind before resting.
2. Balancing Caregiving and Personal Health
Here are some ways to manage both effectively:
Practice paced feeding: Allow the baby to feed on demand while ensuring the mother gets sufficient rest between feeds.
Use breastfeeding pillows: Minimises strain and allows for comfortable positioning during nursing.
Consider expressing milk: If feeling unwell, pumped milk can be given to the baby by a partner or caregiver.
Opt for side-lying breastfeeding: A comfortable position that allows the mother to rest while nursing.
Stay mindful of physical limits: Avoid overexertion and listen to your body’s needs for proper recovery.
Prevention of Infections During Breastfeeding
Preventing infections while breastfeeding is essential for both maternal health and the baby’s well-being. By following proper hygiene practices and taking protective measures, mothers can reduce the risk of illness and continue breastfeeding safely.
1. Hygiene Practises to Reduce Infection Risk
Some good hygiene practises that reduce infection includes:
Frequent handwashing: Reduces the spread of germs and prevents infections.
Proper breast care: Keep nipples clean and dry to prevent bacterial or fungal infections.
Disinfect feeding equipment: Ensures hygiene when expressing milk to avoid contamination.
Change breast pads regularly: Prevents moisture buildup that can lead to infections like thrush.
Keep personal items clean: Regularly wash towels, nursing bras, and clothing to maintain hygiene
2. Protective Measures for Mother and Baby
Protective measures for mother and baby includes:
Maintain a balanced diet: Provides essential nutrients to boost immunity and overall health.
Avoid exposure to sick individuals: Reduces the risk of catching viral infections that could affect both mother and baby.
Stay up to date on vaccinations: Flu and COVID-19 vaccines can help prevent severe illness.
Practice safe social interactions: Wear a mask in crowded places and maintain distance from those who are unwell.
Get enough rest and manage stress: A well-rested body has a stronger immune response against infections.
Conclusion
Fever while breastfeeding is often manageable with proper self-care, hydration, and rest. Understanding safe medications and when to seek medical attention ensures the mother’s health while maintaining breastfeeding. Preventive measures, including hygiene and nutrition, play a crucial role in reducing infection risks.
Consult Top General medicine specialist
Consult Top General medicine specialist
Dr. Syed Ismail Ali
General Practitioner
7 Years • MBBS
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad
Dr D M Karthik
General Practitioner
4 Years • MBBS, Fellowship in Diabetes Mellitus, Advance certificate in Diabetes Mellitus, Derma Nutrition Certification
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
Dr. Mohammed Kamran
General Practitioner
5 Years • MBBS, FIDM
Nashik
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Maharashtra, Nashik
Dr. D Bhanu Prakash
General Practitioner
10 Years • MBBS, AFIH, Advanced certificate in critical care medicine, Fellowship in critical care medicine
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad
Dr. Suraja Nutulapati
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
10 Years • MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine)
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad
(850+ Patients)
Consult Top General medicine specialist
Dr. Syed Ismail Ali
General Practitioner
7 Years • MBBS
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad
Dr D M Karthik
General Practitioner
4 Years • MBBS, Fellowship in Diabetes Mellitus, Advance certificate in Diabetes Mellitus, Derma Nutrition Certification
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
Dr. Mohammed Kamran
General Practitioner
5 Years • MBBS, FIDM
Nashik
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Maharashtra, Nashik
Dr. D Bhanu Prakash
General Practitioner
10 Years • MBBS, AFIH, Advanced certificate in critical care medicine, Fellowship in critical care medicine
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad
Dr. Suraja Nutulapati
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
10 Years • MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine)
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad
(850+ Patients)
