colds and breastfeeding?

Question

I have been breastfeeding my son for 9 months and I am still taking prescription vitamins. I usually NEVER get sick, but this year I have had 4 colds! Can that be bacuse I'm breastfeeding? Does anyone know anything to help prevent a cold?
HELP?

Answer 1

Don't listen to that 'if you're sick don't breastfeed' crap. You can still nurse, the cold virus is not going to pass to the baby, you just have to make sure that you keep your hands clean and don't sneeze or cough on the baby.

Yes, excess colds can be because you're nursing. The baby is getting antibodies from you (Good THING) and by taking some from you, you'll be more suceptible to colds and other viruses. (don't worry, they multiply and you're not 'losing' them)

Drink extra fluids (not only good for your cold, but good for your milk supply) and continue to take vitamins. You may get some extra colds, but the benefit to you and your baby of nursing is better than getting a little sicker than normal.

Good luck.

Answer 2

yes the breastfeeding can affect your immune system. The baby might be getting some of the vitamins that you still need. OR I have a friend that use to NEVER get sick and after she had her little boy (he's only 6 months) she has been sick 7 times already this fall / winter. And REALLY sick running fever and everything. Sometimes a baby just changes up your system and it takes a while to get back on track. Anemia can also cause you to get sick pretty easily. I would go to the doctor and see if you could get a blood test done to see if everything looks ok. She could probably advise you exactly which vitamins you should be taking. Do not buy the hype that you aren't suppose to breastfeed your baby while you are sick .. unless you get deathly ill and put on a prescription that the baby isn't allowed (in which your doctor will tell you) .. it is always best to breastfeed. I worried about the same thing with my first son. My OB said that I am with him EVERYDAY if he is going to get it he is going to get it whether I breastfeed or not and the breast milk actually keeps his immune system stronger so... he's less likely! I know it's hard taking care of babies while you are so sick. .. Best of Luck

Answer 3

It's not so much the breastfeeding that weakens you, but having a baby.
Once you get ill, you don't have the chance to recover properly.
You aren't getting the same amount of sleep that you used to, you can't spend as much time on you as you used to, and don't get the opportunity to wait until you are better before continuing with normal life. You simply don't have that option.

You can't really prevent a cold, just keep yourself comfy, and if you get the chance to give baby to someone else so you can rest, do that.

Answer 4

Continue to breastfeed - baby will be getting your germs reguardless of what you do, so you might as well pass on some imunity.

You are probally getting sick easier partially becuae you have less rest for your body while you are raising a child. There is a OTC drug called airborne that might help prevent sicness, vitamin c is also good.

Best of luck, get well, and love that little boy all you can.

Answer 5

Ignore that person. Containue to breast feed,.. it gives your baby immunity to your cold.

You may need to eat more.

Vitamins do not absorb into your body well when in any other form but food. Try to get some low metal vitamin rich... foods,... maybe V8, Orange Juice, Milk Shakes,.. I don't know what you like and what you'll like. Do not get sucked into High Metal things people come up with for colds,.. they may be damageing to your child and they aren't that great on adults either.

Remember that part of your breast feeding is attributeing to your child's devolopeing immune system and gained immunities.

I think your drained from feeding, not getting enough food, not resting enough and are you going anywhere with alot of children? You may want to start wipeing some things with baby wipes and products with alcohol (like rubbing alcohol... purel) in them to wipe things down like the remotes the doorknobs, the toilet seat, the sink knobs, buttons on things like microwaves and TVs,.. the fridge and freezer door handles, the lineings to drawers and doors in the kitchen and with other cabinets around the house.

Answer 6

actual, Sudafed is the WORST element you may take at the same time as nursing. it particularly is a decongestant which suits by employing drying out the beverages on your physique and....whats up, which means your breastmilk too. Sudafed is seen L4, or "a threat dangerous" by way of possibility of milk furnish interruption. you need to use a saline nasal spray, humidifiers, fenugreek tea, in fact maximum nasal sprays. i'm going to link under for further information on treating colds in breastfeeding mothers.

Answer 7

Make sure you are eating well. Make sure you have plenty of vitamin C. Take Echinacea.

Answer 8

you can't prevent a cold, just try to stay away from people that have it, and if someone is coughing ask them to cover their mouth, or you can wear a mask.

Answer 9

If your sick dont breast feed.