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Department of Health - Breastfeeding and swine flu
Women who are breastfeeding should continue while receiving antiviral treatment or prophylaxis as they are not contraindicated in breastfeeding.
In particular mothers should feed on demand. Where possible additional formula should not be used so that the infant receives as much of the maternal antibodies as possible.
If a mother is ill, she should continue breastfeeding and increase feeding frequency. If she becomes too ill to feed then expressing milk may still be possible.
It the baby becomes too ill to breastfeed then expressed milk should be used.
The risk for swine influenza transmission through breast milk is unknown. However, reports of viraemia with seasonal influenza infection are rare.
Click here for more information and advice on pregnancy, breastfeeding and swine flu from DH.
