I'm not sick or anything, but my husband and I were sitting here wondering what would happen if I DID get sick. Could a virus be passed to my baby through my breastmilk? Would I have to supplement with formula whilst I'm contagious? Just wondering.
2006-09-30 05:44:08 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
Actually this is one of the wonderful things about breast milk, if you were to get sick, say you have a cold. Your body produces antibodies and they pass threw the milk to the baby to build their immune system up against whatever you have. The only thing you need to watch for are any meds you take for whatever you have, those will also pass threw as well.
2006-09-30 09:35:08 · answer #1 · answered by channielynn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you would not have to supplement with formula - of course you know your breast milk is full of antibodies to help her fight illnesses. You would pass most common viruses to your child while breathing on her.
The things that are passed to a baby through breastmilk are AIDS, which would mean you could nurse, and some Hepatitises, which require caution while nursing.
2006-09-30 14:23:35 · answer #2 · answered by cassandra 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, you would not have to supplement; unless you had a virus which required that you be isolated. Understand how viruses are transmitted; each one is unique; Some pass through body fluid only (HIV), some by breathing/droplets (common cold; flu); and some through human to surface to human contact (cold; flu)
a virus could pass through your breastmilk to the child, but it is likely the child will already be exposed through physical contact and sharing the same air with an infected person.
viruses can be infectious even before the carrier shows signs of illness.
the most important way to prevent passing illness to your child is to continue breastfeeding (unless you require isolation) and to ensure you wash your hands frequently. The main reason health care workers do not get ill despite being exposed daily is that they wash their hands at least twenty times a day. Get in the habit and you will get the little guy in the habit, too.
2006-09-30 12:57:22 · answer #3 · answered by soobee 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yes, you can even get HIV from breastmilk. I would talk with your obgyn to ease your concerns. Keep some milk frozen in case of emergency, like a cold.
2006-09-30 12:59:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I don't think so, but I'm not sure. My doctor told me almost nothing will make them tell you to stop breastfeeding, because the risks are so small compared to the benefits. You're doing a great thing...be proud of yourself!
2006-09-30 12:46:30 · answer #5 · answered by qamberq 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I would believe so since the baby gets all of his/her vitamins threw breast milk
2006-09-30 12:52:49 · answer #6 · answered by Mary C 1 · 1⤊ 2⤋
in small amounts but they get more of the antibodies :)
2006-09-30 14:20:23 · answer #7 · answered by Candi S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋