How to Reduce Fever While Breastfeeding?
Learn how to reduce fever while breastfeeding. Explore its causes, safe ways to reduce and tips to make health better.
Written by
Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Main Article
Fever while breastfeeding can be concerning, but it’s usually manageable with the right care. Whether caused by an infection, exhaustion, or other factors, a fever doesn’t always mean you have to stop breastfeeding. In fact, breastfeeding is often safe and even beneficial for both you and your baby during this time. Here’s a simple guide to help you reduce fever while continuing to nourish your little one.
Understanding Fever While Breastfeeding
A fever is your body’s natural response to fighting infections like colds, flu, or mastitis (a breast infection). It’s usually a sign that your immune system is working hard. The good news is that most common illnesses don’t require stopping breastfeeding—your baby can still receive antibodies through your milk, which helps protect them.
Common Causes of Fever in Breastfeeding Mothers
Some of the common causes of fever are:
Infections: Common infections are a frequent cause of fever, with mastitis (breast infection).
Dehydration or exhaustion: New motherhood can lead to dehydration and exhaustion, sometimes manifesting as a fever.
Engorgement or blocked milk ducts: Untreated blocked ducts can progress to mastitis, a breast infection characterized by fever and pain.
Postpartum infections: Infections after childbirth can cause fever and require immediate medical attention.
Safe Ways to Reduce Fever While Breastfeeding
Safe ways to reduce fever while breastfeeding are as follows:
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids like water, herbal teas, or electrolyte drinks to combat dehydration, which can negatively impact milk supply during a fever.
Take Fever-Reducing Medications (If Needed): Use paracetamol (acetaminophen) as it's generally safe during breastfeeding, and consult your doctor before taking ibuprofen, avoiding aspirin entirely.
Rest as Much as Possible: Conserve energy for recovery and milk production by resting when your baby sleeps and seeking assistance with chores.
Use Cool Compresses: Apply damp cloths or take lukewarm sponge baths to naturally reduce fever and discomfort.
Eat Nutritious Foods: Support recovery and milk production with a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and protein.
Continue Breastfeeding (Unless Advised Otherwise): Breast milk provides vital antibodies for your baby; practice good hygiene to minimize transmission of contagious illnesses.
Treat Underlying Causes: Address specific conditions like mastitis with warm compresses and frequent nursing, or colds/flu with rest and hydration.
When to See a Doctor?
While most fevers resolve with home care, consult a doctor if:
Persistent high fever (over 101°F/38.3°C for 24+ hours) needs medical evaluation for potential serious infection.
Severe accompanying symptoms (chills, body aches, breathing difficulty) require prompt medical attention.
Signs of mastitis (red, painful breasts with fever) necessitate medical advice for proper management.
Pus or blood in breast milk warrants immediate medical evaluation to identify the cause.
Consult Top obstetrics and gynecologist (OB/GYN)
Can Fever Affect Breast Milk?
Fever itself doesn’t spoil milk. However, some infections (like flu) can pass to the baby, but breastfeeding helps provide protective antibodies. If you’re on antibiotics, most are safe for breastfeeding—just confirm with your doctor.
Final Tips for Breastfeeding Moms with Fever
Don’t skip feeds – Emptying breasts helps prevent clogged ducts: Frequent breastfeeding or pumping prevents clogged ducts and mastitis, especially during a fever.
Monitor milk supply – Fever may temporarily reduce supply, but it usually bounces back: Monitor milk supply during fever, as it may temporarily decrease, but usually recovers with hydration and nutrition.
Stay in touch with your doctor – If unsure about medications or symptoms, seek advice: Consult your doctor for medication safety and symptom advice during a fever.
Conclusion
If your fever persists or you feel unwell, consult a doctor via Apollo 24|7 for expert advice. You can also book a lab test or video consultation for personalized care. Remember, taking care of yourself ensures you can continue caring for your baby. Stay hydrated, rest well, and don’t hesitate to seek medical help when needed. You’re doing great!
Consult Top obstetrics and gynecologist (OB/GYN)
Consult Top obstetrics and gynecologist (OB/GYN)
Dr. Veena H
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
16 Years • MBBS DGO
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
Dr Swatika Kumari
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
19 Years • MBBS, DGO, DNB Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Nashik
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Maharashtra, Nashik
Dr. Priyanka Surisetty
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
8 Years • MBBS, DGO
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
Dr. Parul Sharma
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
8 Years • MBBS, MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
New Delhi
THE DOCTORS NESST, New Delhi
Dr. Mona Yadav
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
19 Years • MBBS, MD (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
Dombivli
Nulife multispeciality, Dombivli
Consult Top obstetrics and gynecologist (OB/GYN)
Dr. Veena H
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
16 Years • MBBS DGO
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
Dr Swatika Kumari
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
19 Years • MBBS, DGO, DNB Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Nashik
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Maharashtra, Nashik
Dr. Priyanka Surisetty
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
8 Years • MBBS, DGO
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
Dr. Parul Sharma
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
8 Years • MBBS, MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
New Delhi
THE DOCTORS NESST, New Delhi
Dr. Mona Yadav
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
19 Years • MBBS, MD (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
Dombivli
Nulife multispeciality, Dombivli
