Breastfeeding and gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis (often called ‘gastro’) is a common infection that causes inflammation in the gut, leading to symptoms like stomach cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting. It’s one of the most common reasons for taking a child to see the doctor. 

You might also find this information useful if you have food poisoning, as the symptoms can be similar. Food poisoning happens when you eat or drink something contaminated.

Yes, you can keep breastfeeding if you’re unwell, including if you have gastro or food poisoning. The organisms that cause your illness don’t pass into breastmilk in a way that would harm your baby. In fact, your breastmilk helps protect your baby.

How breastfeeding protects against gastroenteritis

When you’re exposed to an infection, your immune system produces antibodies to fight it. These antibodies, along with other immune factors like white blood cells, are passed on to your baby through your breastmilk. 

Breastfeeding gives your baby important immune protection. Babies who are breastfed are much less likely to get diarrhoea from gastroenteritis than babies who are formula-fed.1 If your baby does get gastroenteritis, it’s usually milder and doesn’t last as long.2

If you’re a breastfeeding mum with gastro or food poisoning: 

• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids to replace what you lose through vomiting or diarrhoea.
• Eat if you feel able. Bland foods like crackers, rice, bananas, or dry toast are good options.
• Practise good hygiene. Gastro is easily spread to others. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet, before handling your baby, before expressing milk, and before preparing food. Clean and sanitise feeding equipment and surfaces that you and your baby touch often.
• Avoid sharing. Don’t share towels, cups, or utensils with others in your household while you’re unwell.
• Rest when you can. Focus on keeping up your fluids, hygiene, and feeding your baby. Don’t worry if you can’t do much else. 

If you’re concerned about your health or your baby’s health, or if you’re finding it hard to stay hydrated, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor or health professional.

Breastfeeding is one of the best things you can do for your sick baby. Breastmilk helps keep them hydrated and gives them nutrients that are easy for their body to absorb. A baby or child who normally eats solids may not feel like eating when they have gastro or may not be able to hold food down. But they may tolerate breastmilk. Let your baby breastfeed as often and for as long as they want. This will help them recover.

What’s normal for breastfed baby poos?

• Many parents aren’t sure what normal breastfed baby poo looks like and may think it’s diarrhoea.
• Babies who are only having breastmilk often have many mustard-yellow (sometimes green) poos that are runny with a few curds. These poos usually have a mild smell.
• Frequent, soft poos show your baby is getting enough breastmilk.
• From about six weeks, poo frequency can change. Some babies still poo often, while others might only go once every 7 to 14 days. As long as the poo is soft and easy to pass, this is usually fine for babies over six weeks old.

When to see the doctor

If your baby is very unwell, not keeping fluids down, or you’re worried for any reason, see your doctor as soon as possible. 

• Gastroenteritis (gastro) – Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne Fact Sheet
  Practical information about gastro in children, including symptoms, care at home, and when to seek help.
  https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Gastroenteritis_gastro/
• Gastroenteritis in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding – MotherSafe (NSW Royal Hospital for Women)
  Advice for pregnant and breastfeeding women on managing gastro, staying hydrated, and practising good hygiene.
  https://www.seslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/groups/Royal_Hospital_for_Women/Mothersafe/documents/Factsheets/GastroPregBfeedFeb23.pdf

The information on this website does not replace advice from your health care provider.

© Australian Breastfeeding Association December 2025